This Doctors’ Day, we celebrate one of our locum tenens physicians, Dr. Williams, who encourages physicians to learn more about the locums lifestyle and pay particular attention to the locums agency they choose to work with.
Locum tenens is a fit for a lot of physicians across the healthcare spectrum because of the flexibility, compensation, and the opportunity to expand their experience. Physicians of all stripes and specialties are exploring locums—including those just beginning their medical careers, those looking for an offramp to retirement, and those looking for a new workstyle.
Dr. Williams is no different. In fact, she wishes she knew about locums 20 years ago. While she loved working in private practice, she acknowledges that locum tenens gives her more career freedom and options for her professional development.
“I’ve talked to other physicians about how working full-time in a hospital has the draw of company benefits,” said Dr. Williams. “But they’re not seeing the whole picture. You can get so much out of being an independent contractor. Had I known about the locums lifestyle sooner, I would have made the switch long ago.”
Dr. Williams’ first exposure to locums came when she worked assignments on St. Croix in the Virgin Islands. From there, she was hooked. Unfortunately, not every role was positive. She found that not all locums agencies are created equal and that understanding your agency mattered immensely.
“I’ve worked with multiple locums firms,” said Dr. Williams. “My Floyd Lee Locums recruiter, Melanie DeFeo, always answers or calls right back. Other agencies will only communicate by email or text and don’t even answer the phone. Melanie keeps me up-to-date on what is happening with my assignment and presents only the opportunities she knows meet my requirements—not the other way around.”
Melanie echoes the quality of their relationship, “Dr. Williams has always been a joy to work with. She is well liked by staff and colleagues and is always welcomed back by facilities. I hope that Dr. Williams continues to work with us for many years to come!”
Dr. Williams noted that she’s received full-time offers from healthcare facilities, but that she’s turned them down because of her relationship with Floyd Lee Locums. She says she is treated very well, and the company’s concierge approach ensures her needs are always met.
“The biggest issue I’ve had with other locums firms is that the placement doesn’t always live up to what the agency described or sold you,” said Dr. Williams. Her advice for those considering locums, “Partner with an agency who follows through on their promises—and always speak to someone onsite at the facility before accepting an assignment, so you better understand the placement and culture.”
This Doctors’ Day, Floyd Lee Locums thanks all our physician partners who, like Dr. Williams, trust us with their careers. We celebrate you today and every day for the outstanding care and professionalism you show to patients, families, and communities across the country.
If you’re a clinician looking to discover a new way of practicing medicine, contact us 24/7 at concierge@FloydLeeLocums.com or at 843.900.4185.