As expert recruiters in the global medical industry, we frequently interact with Emergency Medicine Physicians examining their career options. One option which is proving increasingly popular is the locum tenens position. This post will review the benefits of locum tenens work for emergency medicine physicians and how it can provide flexibility, variety, excellent financial compensation and ample opportunities for career development.



Locum Tenens work is very common in the primary medical care sector with many general practices relying on the services of locum physicians to maintain adequate clinical services. In other branches of medicine it is less favoured and often frowned upon for creating fragmented and disorganised clinical care and reduced opportunities to maintain continuing medical education (CME).

However emergency medicine, with its schedules of shift work and focus on acute patient management without the encumbrance of in patient management, is a prime speciality for locum tenens work. The issue of fragmented in patient care is not relevant and there are ample opportunities to complete mandated CME on and off line. Many emergency departments in rural and urban areas are now increasingly dependent upon locum tenens emergency physicians working shifts to provide the necessary expertise to manage an increasing patient case load and supervise resident medical officers. The advantages of this work are becoming obvious.

Arguably the most well-known advantage of working as a locum tenens physician is the flexibility it affords. Instead of adhering to a rigid clinic schedule, locum tenens doctors can choose assignments which fit their personal schedules, enabling them to:

• Control their calendars.
• Choose the number of shifts they pick up.
• Dictate the number of hours they work during a week, and when.
• Work around family commitments and work-life balance
• Organise free time to pursue other interests.

Clinical Variety

Another attractive benefit of locum tenens work is the variety it offers. Emergency medicine physicians may find themselves working in various ambiances, from rural hospitals to bustling city healthcare systems, diversifying their skills and experience:

• Experience unique case loads.
• Learn to adapt to different work environments and teams.
• Gain a broader perspective of the healthcare landscape across various parts of the country.

Career Development Opportunities

Locum tenens work, quite strikingly, provides an excellent platform for continuous professional learning and development. Constantly working in new environments:

• Hones adaptability and flexibility skills.
• Offers exposure to different clinical practices and administrative systems.
• Encourages continuous learning, and a chance to stay updated with latest medical advancements.
• Moreover, this constant exposure to different practices and medical setups is a boon for networking, largely contributing towards career growth.



Financial Compensation

Locum tenens work offers significant financial benefits despite the fact that locums are ineligible for pension contributions and many other standard employee benefits including annual and sick leave.



• Locum tenens jobs are paid an hourly or daily rate which exceeds that of a salaried employee in the same position
• Locum tenens night shifts are paid premium rates 
• Locum emergency physicians receive additional expenses for accommodation and travel

Final Thoughts

Embracing locum tenens work can bring a significant positive impact to your career as an Emergency Medicine Physician. Not just for the flexibility, variety and career development opportunities it presents, but also for the inspiring chance it provides to interact with and positively affect various communities and patients along the way.

Are you considering a shift towards locum tenens work? Or are you a healthcare organisation seeking talented locum tenens physicians? We can help bridge that gap. Let's talk and connect the right talent with the right opportunity for long-term success. Contact us today and make some impactful career moves!



Further Insights

As you continue your job search, Odyssey Recruitment provides useful resources to power and motivate your career including topical articles and new jobs. Begin the application process now, and then learn more about how we can help you.

• Medical Job Search Tips: Use the content here to learn everything you need to know about optimal searches for medical jobs in different geographical locations and the physician recruitment processes.
• Medical Jobs by Specialty: Explore medical jobs around the world and learn about the various options and remuneration packages 
• Negotiating Job Contracts: Essential Tips for Emergency Medicine Physicians
• Explore Emergency Medicine Physician Jobs in New Zealand
• The 4 Stages of Medical Education in Australia and New Zealand
• New Zealand | Residency, Visas and Citizenship for Doctors and Dentists
• New Zealand | Understanding Medical and Dental Employment Contracts
• Practise Medicine and Dentistry in New Zealand - A Guide to the Healthcare System