Physicians choose to take locum tenens jobs at many different stages in their lives. Some begin the career when they’re single and fresh out of residency, while some are newly married and use the temporary jobs to extend their honeymoons.
Others travel while their kids are young, and still others wait to take locum tenens assignments until their children are nearly out of school or have left home.
And many physicians choose a more flexible work schedule once they’re nearing retirement or have already retired from practicing medicine.
No matter what your situation may be, it’s important to consider how locum tenens assignments will impact your home life. Here’s what a few of our providers had to say:
I have more time for myself
“Since taking locum tenens assignments, I have more time for me. It’s helped me learn that medicine and treating patients is not the only thing in life,” says Dr. Arturo Perez, a family practitioner.
“The more I love my job, the more I love my family.”
I’m there for my children
“I worked full-time before my son was born, but once I was ready to return to work I could only manage two weeks a month. Fortunately, Weatherby Healthcare is able to accommodate that schedule,” says Dr. Jelica Maze, a cardiologist.
“During the weeks I’m home, I’m 100 percent here and get to spend quality time with my family. I can choose the dates I want to work, accommodate vacations and take jobs close to home — sometimes just an hour-long flight away.”
I can stay close to my spouse
“My wife and I have been married 35 years and made a rule years ago not to be separated for more than a week at a time,” Dr. Leonard Hess, an OB/GYN, recalls. “I sometimes have to take assignments that last two weeks, but for the most part, I can work every other week and take jobs only six or seven hours away so I can drive home.”
“My wife, a full-time cardiologist, plans to retire in a few years and is already considering locum tenens. We look forward to practicing together.”
I have improved my family relationships
“It may sound counterintuitive, but my relationship with my wife and my children is better than ever. I am almost never gone for more than a month at a time,” Dr. Albert Deibele, a cardiologist, says. “My children’s school has ‘dads’ day lunch’ twice a year, when the dads go to school and make lunch.”
“In the 15 years I worked locally, I was never able to be there. But in the last two years since I’ve been doing locum tenens work, I’ve made it three times!”
I can be home with my family every night
“[Now I drive to a part-time locum tenens job two days a week.] I feel extremely fortunate that I can build the business I want, earn the extra income I need to do it, and still be home with my husband and children every night,” says dermatologist Carrie Cera Hill. “This is truly the best of both worlds.”
Learn more about how temporary positions can help you achieve flexibility by reading 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Locum Tenens — or check out our open jobs!
