By Clark Fowler, Vice President Locum Tenens, Pinnacle Health Group
Scarcity—or rather the fear of it—is a concept that rarely brings out the best in anyone. Headquartered in Atlanta, and moving into the winter season, I’m reminded of what happens when there is even a hint of snow in the forecast. Our northern friends are amused by the stories of milk and bread being hoarded and schools being closed a full day ahead of the threat. But how do people react when they believe there is more than enough of something to go around?
With the physician shortage being very real, new physicians could be tempted to see the job market as so plentiful that they decide to delay the job search. This is not a good idea for several reasons.
First, the early bird gets the worm. Physicians who are nearing the completion of training will have fewer options than ones who started the job search a year in advance. For those of who have strong location preferences for example, don’t assume you can get a contract anywhere you want, anytime you want.
Next, it takes time to sort through your options, determine which offers provide the best long-term benefits, travel for on-site interviews and complete the contract and credentialing process. The last year of training is very stressful, so why cram a job search into the last few weeks?
Not sure where you want to practice medicine?
It’s common for new physicians to be overwhelmed by the amount of recruiting solicitations they receive. Selecting the right opportunities to explore is a bit like choosing which medical school to attend. Settling into a community, especially when you’re starting a family, makes the selection process even more important.
Aside from those who already have strong ties to particular communities, many new physicians, especially the millennial physicians, are blazing their own trails in terms of how to balance their professional and personal lives.
Enter Locum Tenens—Seven reasons to consider this as your starting point.
Locum Tenens employment has traditionally been an appealing option to physicians who are nearing the end of their careers. But we’re seeing a new trend, too. Newer physicians are taking advantage of this interim solution as a way to “kick the tires” before they select a long-term position. The advantages include:
- Determine where you want to live long-term. Adventurous, unencumbered physicians have the opportunity to live in several different areas of the country before making a costly and time-consuming relocation.
- First-hand experience between metropolitan and rural environments. Most new physicians won’t commit to rural healthcare right off the bat, but once onsite, some find it’s a perfect fit.
- Identifying your culture preferences. There can be a big difference working for a for-profit health system versus a faith-based, nonprofit hospital. With Locum Tenens, you can see where your values are most aligned.
- Coordinating schedules with loved ones. It’s common for physician couples to be on different training timetables. The one who completes training first can opt for a Locum Tenens position, and then together, they can decide on a long-term solution.
- Full benefits included. Locum Tenens recruitment firms offer a seamless experience for new physicians that often include a competitive benefits package.
- Higher salary potential. While working under such an arrangement, you can expect a favorable compensation package, as well as a travel and housing allowance in some cases.
- Schedule flexibility. As physician burnout rises, more physicians are seeking a better balance between work and life. With Locum Tenens, you have the opportunity to work intensely for a period of time, and then take time off to travel and explore other interests.
Interested in learning how Locum Tenens could be your foray into medicine?
Pinnacle Locum Tenens actively recruits and places Locum Tenens physicians throughout the country in roles that last for days, weeks or even months at a time. Matching you with the opportunities you’re most interested in is our priority. And, as a total-solution physician recruitment firm, we can help you find an ideal long-term position, too.
See our open positions at phg.com or call 800-492-7771 to talk with one of our recruiters.