3 Ways to Cope with a Changing Locums Marketplace
3 Ways to Cope with a Changing Locums Marketplace
Over the past few weeks, I have heard from several physicians—namely Emergency Medicine (EM) physicians—that it is becoming increasing difficult to find locums work. They state that the demand isn’t what it used to be and the pay is not as high.
According to several experts, there have recently been changes in the locums marketplace as it pertains not just to EM physicians, but to all physicians who perform inpatient locums work. More and more hospitals are using corporate medical groups to staff their inpatient services (EM, ICU and Hospitalist). These corporate medical groups then turn to locums agencies to supplement their staffing needs. This adds an additional layer to the locums process and may make it seem like the demand and pay for certain specialties aren’t there.
However, despite this recent change in the locums market, there are steps you can take to ensure that you have plenty of locums opportunities.
Broaden your search criteria. In order to catch more fish, you must cast a wider net. The same is true for locums. To find more locums work, you need to have a less strict set of criteria. Broaden your search criteria in terms of location, pay rate, work schedule and work conditions.
Be aggressive about finding locums work. I tell all locums physicians, “Your second job as a locum doctor is to find your next locums role.” You can’t just sit back and wait for the next opportunity to present itself; you must be active in the locums job market. Speak to your recruiter on a regular basis. Be willing to talk to new locums recruiters and work with new locums companies.
Get as many state licenses as you can. The more medical licenses you have, the more locums positions you qualify for. Although the job market may be saturated where you are currently located, there is still a great need for your services in other locations.
If you are an Emergency Medicine physician who is currently dealing with changes in the locums EM market, please join Floyd Lee Locums for a live webinar. I, along with the locums experts at Floyd Lee locums, and Dr. Yvette McQueen, a locums EM expert with over 20 years of experience, will discuss the changing trends in the EM locums marketplace.
The live webinar, Strategies for Success in the Changing EM Locums Marketplace, will be held Tuesday, February 4, 2020 at 8:00 p.m. EST. Please go to Dr. Stephanie webinar registration to register!
Stephanie E. Freeman, MD, earned her Medical Degree from the University of Alabama School of Medicine. She completed her Internal Medicine Residency at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center and her Critical Care Fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Dr. Freeman also completed a Geriatrics fellowship at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center. She obtained her Masters of Business Administration at Auburn University.
Learn more at DrStephanieICU.com