I didn’t set out to become a locum tenens dermatologist, but it’s a career path I’ve followed for the last four years. It’s provided the flexibility I needed to navigate some personal health challenges. I’ve had some great experiences and some not-so-great experiences as a locum tenens. Here are some of the benefits and challenges of locum tenens, and what I wish I knew before I started:
1. You’ll Gain Exposure to Different Practice Types
Becoming a locum tenens dermatologist is a great route to pursue if you are hesitant to commit to a practice location and setting. Working on a temporary basis allows you the ability to try out different opportunities to know which might be the best fit for you. I’ve worked in private practices, practices owned by private equity groups, and hospital settings in the last four years alone. Now I have a greater idea of what situations I’d like to pursue when I’m ready to commit to a more permanent role.
2. You Can Choose How Much You Want to Work
Locum tenens was attractive to me initially because I could work a couple of weeks a month. In many cases, working as a locum tenens dermatologist may allow you to choose how much you want to work – one or two weeks a month or a stretch of several months – depending on your flexibility with location. Some markets have more opportunities than others.
3. You Won’t Be at Home
If you pursue locum tenens, know that you likely aren’t going to be at home. Travel is essentially part of the package. Different markets will have different opportunities and some tend to have more opportunities than others. I currently live in Michigan, and I have found opportunities here but not as commonly as in other geographic regions.
4. You Can Use an Agency – Or Not
There are two avenues to go: using a locums agency or contracting directly. Some of the main agencies include LocumTenens.com, CompHealth and Weatherby Healthcare. With the larger agencies, you have an agent who represents you while another agent represents the facility. They also advertise available positions. I’ve used a larger agency, but I have colleagues who have used smaller agencies.
5. The Best Deal Patient
I would recommend that the agent you’re working with has experience in placing dermatologists. The lingo in dermatology matters, so an agent with dermatology experience means you’ll have a greater likelihood of having a positive experience with your placement.
You also don’t have to use an agency. You may be able to contract with a hospital or practice directly. However, whether directly contracting or through an agency, make sure you read the contract carefully. Any contract must include malpractice and liability coverage – you may need an attorney especially if directly contracting.
It may be possible to make more money contracting directly since agencies take a cut of the earnings. However, agencies can be helpful with booking travel, lodging, malpractice, etc. if you contract directly you will have to pay for legal counsel and there’s potentially more risk involved. Be careful and protect yourself. Make sure you have what’s important in your contract.
6. Account for Extra Costs
No matter if you use an agency or contract directly, know that you will not be eligible for employee benefits, including health insurance and retirement. You will need to plan for these on your own.
Your paychecks will not include deductions for federal and state taxes, so you will need to hire an accountant who can make sure you pay estimated taxes on a quarterly basis. Taxes may be especially complex if you work and live in different states, or if you work in multiple states in the same year.
7. Network with Others
Find support from the locums community! Join locums Facebook groups where people share and discuss issues and questions. These groups are a great way to learn best practices and pitfalls to avoid.
Locum tenens is a great fit for me for now. I like the flexibility and I’m not as overwhelmed by the state of medicine. I have more time off and the ability to travel. (I’ve also racked up some air miles!) Plus I can decide to discontinue at any time (with a 30 day notice typically) if I don’t want to work as a locums anymore. It’s a great opportunity that I recommend to others as long as you’re willing to be flexible on your location and workplace environment.
