A beginner’s guide to international locum tenens assignments

Locum tenens not only offers physicians flexibility, work-life balance, and the opportunity to earn extra income, but also the chance to travel and explore new locations and cultures. For physicians longing to see the world, Weatherby Healthcare now offers international locum tenens assignments through our sister company, Global Medical Staffing.

If you’re interested in physician jobs abroad, your Weatherby consultant can help you connect with Global Medical Staffing as well as help you arrange your domestic and international assignment timelines, so they don’t overlap.

Ready to learn how to work abroad as a doctor? Here’s a brief overview of how international locum tenens works.

Why physicians choose global locum tenens work

Many physicians choose international locum tenens assignments to expand their clinical experience while exploring the world. Practicing medicine abroad exposes physicians to different healthcare systems, patient populations, and approaches to care, helping them grow professionally and gain a broader perspective on medicine.

Working locum tenens abroad also offers the opportunity to combine work with travel in a meaningful way. Physicians can live and work in another country while continuing their careers, making it an appealing way to experience destinations on their bucket list. Outside of work, many providers embrace the adventure by participating in local activities and immersing themselves in new cultures.

Perhaps most importantly, international locum tenens assignments allow physicians to make a real impact in communities facing provider shortages. Many physicians also see international locums as an opportunity to step away from routine, reconnect with medicine, and return home feeling professionally reenergized.

Time commitment for international locums assignments

International locums assignments typically require much longer commitments than the average domestic assignments. Depending on the location, some can be as short as a few weeks, but many require a commitment of six months to a year or longer. So, it’s important that you’re realistic about how much time you can commit to an international assignment when deciding if it’s right for you.

The application process takes time. Plan on six to nine months to gather paperwork, secure visas, and complete the credentialing and licensing process.

Typical pay for international assignments

Pay varies from country to country, but for physicians used to U.S. pay, an international locums assignment will often pay less than a domestic assignment. That said, in some cases, the facility will provide housing, transportation, or cover other expenses to help offset the decrease in pay. In the end, most physicians who go abroad do so for the experience, not for the money.

Qualifications for working locums abroad

Although there are some exceptions—practice standards differ from country to country—international locum tenens physicians must be board-certified or board-eligible to practice. Some countries also want recent, extensive postgraduate training or experience—three or more years in a comparable health system. If you’re a new physician, it may be worth working some locums assignments closer to home with Weatherby first to try out various clinical settings and gain additional experience. However, some overseas locations, like Guam, are great options for physicians right out of residency.

Taking family and pets with you on assignment

Bringing the family along on an international assignment is a great opportunity for them to learn about and experience different cultures and ways of life. Global Medical Staffing can assist with visas for you and your family members who travel with you. They can even point you in the right direction for help with school enrollment, cell phone plans, and setting up bank accounts.

You can also bring along pets, but depending on which country you’re headed to, it can be a stressful process. Requirements may involve quarantine, bloodwork, vet visits, and microchipping. So, be prepared for the additional costs and paperwork, and consider how hard the long flights and possible quarantine will be on your pet. Sometimes, it may be a better idea to leave them with a trusted friend or family member while you’re away.

Housing and travel when working locums overseas

Airfare, housing, ground transportation, and malpractice insurance are all typically covered. However, while your travel expenses as a physician are covered, most contracts won’t cover your family’s travel and visa costs.

Ready to live like a Kiwi? Everything you need to know about locums housing in New Zealand

Popular international locum tenens locations

There are a variety of locations for international locums assignments that offer physicians the opportunity to enhance their expertise while experiencing new cultures and enjoying unique adventures.

Here are a few to consider:

U.S. Virgin Islands and Caribbean

• Most assignments range from 1 to 2 weeks to as much as 3 to 6 months or more

• Lower pay than U.S. assignments but lower cost of living

• Fast credentialing and often no visa requirements

• English speaking

• Demand is high for a range of specialties

It’s the type of medicine that you don’t get to practice in the States — you have to be adaptive; you have to make use of the supplies you can find. If you don’t have the equipment to do something, you have to realize you’ve done everything you could.

— Dr. Penny Williams, pulmonary and critical care physician

Locums in the Caribbean: What to know about practicing in the Islands

Guam and Saipan

• Typical assignment lengths are between 3 and 6 months

• Similar pay to U.S. assignments

• Fast credentialing (can take as little as 45 days) and no visa needed

• English speaking

• Generous paid time off

• Most-needed specialties: cardiology, diagnostic radiology, emergency medicine, hospitalist, neonatology, psychiatry, and urgent care

Working locums in Guam has changed my life. I’m awake again. It has completely changed my perspective on the way I practice.

— Dr. Holly Llobet, critical and palliative care physician

Practicing neurology in Guam: One physician’s story

New Zealand

• Most assignments are 6- to 12- months with some lasting even longer

• Lower pay than U.S. assignments

• Typically a four-month application process

• English speaking

• Generous paid time off and an average work week of 40 hours

• Most-needed specialties: anesthesiology, critical care, emergency medicine, family medicine, hospitalist, OB-GYN, psychiatry, and neurology

Due to the high rate of skin cancer in New Zealand, I routinely treated patients with skin cancers. So, while I was there, I learned a lot about treating skin cancer. I learned a new skill called dermoscopy. As a family practitioner, I wouldn’t have had that opportunity in the U.S.

— Dr. Jason Heine, family medicine

Discover the islands: What it's like living as a locum tenens in New Zealand

Australia

• Assignment length is typically 12 months or more

• Similar pay to U.S. assignments

• Application process varies but typically takes six months

• English speaking

• Opportunities to serve the Aboriginal population

• High demand for family medicine physicians

The beach is readily accessible, and they are some of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen! The scenery, the beautiful turquoise water, the soft sand, and the beautiful topography in Western Australia with the cliffs and everyone surfing, are stunning.

— Dr. Mike Spertus, family medicine physician

Go down under: Practicing medicine in Australia

Working with Global Medical Staffing

Whatever location you choose for your international locum tenens adventure, your Global Medical consultant will be with you every step of the way, helping you through the complex visa, credentialing, and licensing process. Plus, an experienced agency like Global Medical Staffing not only knows the facilities well and can help ensure a great fit, but they also understand each country’s healthcare rules and regulations as well as the medical malpractice differences.

If you’ve worked assignments with Weatherby Healthcare, we can put you in touch with the right consultant at Global Medical Staffing, making the transition easy. Even better, a lot of the paperwork and verifications you’ve already done will go with you, so you don’t have to duplicate work.

Once you’ve returned from your international locum tenens job, your Weatherby consultant will be there to help you arrange your next locums assignment stateside.

Interested in learning more about locum tenens jobs abroad? Give us a call or view today's international physician job opportunities.