Because healthcare professionals are in high demand, physicians have substantial options regarding where and how they want to serve in their professions.

Permanent placement is for those healthcare professionals looking to become an employee of a company medical establishment. Locum tenens are temporary assignments at hospitals and medical practices across the country that usually last for days, weeks, or months at a time. These positions are available because some facilities will have absent doctors, staffing shortages, or a rise in healthcare demand that can be met by locum doctors.

So which career path is best? Well, there is no right answer... Locums may be a better option for some than permanent placement, and for others, the opposite may be true. If you’re still not sure which path you should take, read on to learn the pros and cons of both so you can make the decision that's best for you, your career, and your family.

Locum Tenens

The benefits of locum tenens are numerous to a physician who seeks a challenging and versatile career. Taking temporary assignments can hone skills and help make better-informed decisions about a career path. It provides flexibility, a better work-life balance, travel, and the ability to earn more. Not to mention, that more time can be focused on patient care rather than administrative functions.

Superior skills gained from true-life experiences

The ever-changing assignments generate unexpected and challenging situations that require a wide range of skills and abilities. You will gain superior skills by participating in these spontaneous assignments and gain confidence in your abilities quickly.

Make better-informed decisions about a career path

Because the environments and situations in which you work are always changing, locums can give you a better perspective on the things you enjoy doing. This will help define a more desirable career path for you.

Better work-life balance

These assignments are flexible which allows you to pick the shifts you want, and only when you want them. You may choose to work longer assignments with a nice long break in between, or you may prefer to take on several short-term assignments one after the other. Locum tenens gives you the freedom to dictate your schedule and spend your time how you see fit, contributing to a better work-life balance.

Earn more

Temporary contractors are needed for these assignments, and contractors get paid a higher rate than salaried employees. Additionally, if you work with a staffing agency like Med X, there’s no need to fret about expenses; we’ll cover the cost of travel and lodging as well as the cost of malpractice insurance.

Cons:

• Some assignments require frequent travel which may not be as favorable for family life
• As an independent contractor, you would not be able to receive benefits such as health insurance
• Taking temporary jobs in different facilities means constantly adapting your work style to match each new employer’s requirements

Permanent Placement

Permanent placement can provide many benefits for a physician that wants stability and routine. Some of those benefits include a stable schedule, a consistent income, employee benefits, and professional growth opportunities.

Fixed work schedule

The election of permanent placement can benefit you with a fixed schedule, which gives you the ability to know exactly how much you should expect to be working each month. Additionally, a steady work schedule ensures that you are involved in your family's everyday needs and activities.

Employee benefits

Permanent placement offers you employee benefits in addition to a consistent salary. Health insurance, bonuses, life insurance policies, and retirement plans are all typical benefits that permanent placement provides.

Career Advancement

As a permanent placement hire, you get time to establish relationships with staff. Forming relationships with staff can help with your professional growth goals in the hospital or medical facility you are permanently placed in.

Cons:

• Work duties can become stagnant and monotonous
• Skill sets and knowledge can be limited
• Administrative duties are added to patient care

Conclusion

Choosing locum tenens does not have to be a permanent decision. Assignments can turn into extensions or offers of a permanent position at the end of the assignment.

So, if you are a physician at a crossroads about how to proceed with your career, the benefits of locum tenens or permanent placements should help in making a decision in which direction to go. If locum tenens have piqued your interest, contact us to learn more about locums and how to get started.