Why Starting with Locum Tenens After Residency Can Launch a Stronger Medical Career
Locum tenens, which means “to hold the place” in Latin, refers to physicians who temporarily fill in for other doctors or provide coverage where there are staffing gaps. For new physicians completing residency, this type of work can be a powerful stepping stone. It allows them to ease into independent practice while enjoying flexibility and variety in their career. Instead of committing immediately to a long-term position, new doctors can use locum tenens work to explore different clinical environments, build experience, and refine their professional preferences. It’s a model that prioritizes both freedom and growth—key elements for physicians just beginning their post-residency journey. Financial Rewards and Reduced Overhead After years of training and education, many doctors emerge from residency facing considerable financial pressure. Locum tenens can help ease that burden. These roles typically offer higher pay rates than many entry-level permanent positions, enabling physicians t...