It's no secret -- how a doctor chooses to leave residency can have a far-reaching impact. That first job can be critical to long-term success. It can influence skills, behaviors, earning potential, satisfaction, and so much more.
Time after time in our business, we see physicians who accepted a starter job out of residency only to find out far too quickly it wasn't what they wanted.
Discovering ways to help residents expand their opportunities while still in residency is what locum tenens is all about. And from our experience, more residents and fellows see the value of locum tenens, and are eager to take advantage.
That's the experience of Larry Daugherty, MD, who found locum tenens near the end of his residency.
"Locum tenens helped me make ends meet as a resident and pay off some bills," he said. In addition, "[Locum tenens] became extremely valuable because I was able to see the diversity of different practices, and find out what I liked and didn't like."
Locum tenens gave Daugherty a chance to expand his options based on real-world experiences he'd gained in real-life facilities.
Gregg Carr, MD, explained that "There are a lot of pluses to [locum tenens]. You receive a higher wage. You get a little bit of freedom. I didn't have the burden of on-call weekends ... Plus, you're not necessarily locked into that job."
While locum tenens isn't for every doctor -- and it should be noted that residents have some limits when it comes to working it -- there are some undeniable benefits for the residents and fellows who choose to go that route.
Here are a few of the top reasons our residents choose locums.
Earn more money to help pay off student debt
While a recent resident salary and debt report revealed a slight increase in average resident salary ($57,200 in 2017 versus $56,500 in 2016 and $55,400 in 2015), that bump does very little to help the approximately 63% of doctors who leave medical school with more than $100,000 in loans. Facing such massive student debts, many residents opt for taking extra shifts and earning supplemental income that comes from working locum tenens. By doing so, residents increase their earning potential and can use the funds to get financially fit faster.
More flexibility
The rigors of residency can be grueling. However, some residents find that locum tenens allows them a chance to pick and choose how they fill the margins of their days. This discipline serves them well when they complete residency and can work locum tenens at will, without restrictions.
That was the experience of Johnny Shen, MD. He sought out alternative work options upon completing his residency. "A lot of physicians are aiming for the perfect work/life balance. I think locums definitely affords that flexibility because I basically get to work as much as I want," Shen said. "I have time to spend with my family, my girlfriend, and my hobbies outside of work."
Finding mentors and expanding professional networks
When Brian Harmych, MD, a facial plastic surgeon, was finishing up his fellowship, locum tenens became more than just a way to earn money while getting things set up for his own private practice.
"I've met several great mentors throughout the process," Harmych said. "The permanent partners at the practices I've worked at have been helpful, and I've gained valuable insights into the way different practices run ... even simple things like call schedules, personnel management, and how receptionists answer the phone."
This brings us back to where we started: Landing that first job. Every resident wants a great job at a facility that is a perfect fit, or at the very least, a good match. Locum tenens is a great way for residents and fellows to try a place before committing long term. They get a chance to work with the staff, meet peers, observe office politics, and engage the community, all before signing into a contract.
If they find the facility is a great match and empowers them to succeed, they can turn it into a full-time permanent position. However, if it proves problematic and not fulfilling, they simply move on and take another assignment in a new facility.
Ultimately, locum tenens is a powerful way for every physician to take control of their career.
Bill Heller is the president of Weatherby Healthcare, a subsidiary of medical staffing agency CHG Healthcare, and has nearly 20 years of both physician and nurse staffing experience.