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Locum Tenens Physicians – Who Are They?

Who are locum tenens physicians and how do they view providing locum tenens coverage? Below, William O'Brien, MD – a Family Physician from Scottsdale, Arizona – discusses his career as a locum tenens physician. Awarded Locum Tenens Physician of the Year by Locum Life, Dr. O'Brien has embraced his second career.

How long have you been a locum physician and what were the determining factors in your decision?
I began locum tenens assignments in early 2002 after attempting early retirement and relocation to another metropolitan area, neither of which took. I had become very disenchanted with some of the non-clinical aspects of medicine, but discovered how much I missed direct patient care. Locum tenens was an interesting option.

What do you consider before deciding to affiliate with a locum tenens firm?
My first encounter with locum tenens was as a practice owner in 1993 in dire need of support when my partner left our clinic. I was very satisfied with the providers who helped at that time, and contacted the same company, Catalina Medical Recruiters, when I decided to pursue locum tenens as a provider. I book about 75% of my assignments through Catalina Medical Recruiters. They have offered assignments from one day to three months and tend to know the practices very well. I have rarely been surprised or disappointed by their assignments. I also have contracted with two other national locums firms, but find I am less likely to accept their assignments, which are offered less frequently.

What do you consider when deciding to accept a specific locum assignment?
Distance from home, duration of assignment, past experience with the organization needing a locum, and appropriateness to my specialty.

What was your favorite locum experience and why?
One of my earliest assignments was to a community clinic about 100 miles away from home. The staff, patients and building (but not the town) somehow reminded me of clinical experiences years earlier in my home state of Minnesota. I have returned to this assignment several times. I just enjoy it!

What can a locum firm and client organization provide that will make the locum assignment a successful experience both professionally and personally?
As a locum physician, it is important to hit the ground running. Every patient I see is a new patient and I must adapt quickly to new practice settings and office procedures. Accurate information, clear expectations and reimbursement in keeping with responsibilities help to make the assignment a successful experience. I have found providing medical care to patients in need and assisting organizations that have a staffing shortage very gratifying.

Locum tenens physicians provide much needed relief to hospitals and medical practices. If you anticipate a need for temporary physician staffing and would like more information, please contact us.