What is locum tenens?

Locum Tenens Definition:

For workers in the medical field, chances are the phrase "locum tenens" has come up before. But what is the locum tenens definition? "Locum tenens" is Latin for "one who holds a place." The phrase refers to a physician working in the place of another physician when he or she is absent, or when a hospital or practice is short-staffed.

Locum tenens physician jobs provide a way for organizations to fill positions that are either temporarily empty (due to sickness, leave, or other reasons) or for which no long-term physician is available. Locum tenens jobs also allow a professional to try (and get experience in) a wide range of work environments and geographic settings.

Locum tenens jobs are available in the USA, CANADA and internationally. International locum tenens in English-speaking countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Bermuda, and Canada are especially popular for American physicians because it's relatively easy to transition into a new culture with a shared language. (There are still some differences, in spite of the shared language. Medications, illnesses, and treatment protocols often have different names. Frequently locum tenens physicians are just called "locums" in these countries.)

Who should consider locum tenens?

Locum Tenens

For physicians, locum tenens jobs create a perfect temporary position for a resident who's transitioning to practice or for physicians who have decided to switch from one practice to another. In both cases, locum tenens jobs give you a chance to test the fit of a practice before you commit to a full-time position. Some physicians even use locum tenens jobs as a way to transition into semi-retirement while still earning income.

Facilities can use locum tenens physicians to ensure continuity of care and preserve their revenue streams. Many requests for coverage come from facilities or practices that are actively recruiting and need coverage until they find a permanent candidate. Other needs include peak demand coverage (i.e., tourist season or cold and flu season), coverage while a physician is on medical leave or vacation, or immediate staffing to help a facility launch a new program or service line.