Stephanie England is Senior Director, Provider Solutions at Aya Locums
In today’s healthcare landscape, the traditional definition of a medical career is rapidly evolving.
Increasingly, physicians and advanced practice providers (APPs) are trading linear career paths for a more flexible, multifaceted approach — welcoming the rise of the portfolio career.
As someone who has worked in this industry for more than 20 years, I’ve witnessed firsthand the seismic shift in what providers want and need from their professional lives. Two decades ago, the goal was typically clear: land a long-term, full-time role with a single health system and stay the course.
But today’s providers, particularly millennials and Gen Z, are reshaping that model. They crave flexibility, autonomy, and balance. They value diverse experiences and ownership over their time. Their careers are no longer built in a straight line. They’re constructed intentionally across multiple roles and settings.
What ties these roles together is purpose and adaptability — a career shaped around evolving interests and lifestyle goals rather than being defined by a single job description.
What is a Portfolio Career in Medicine?
Simply put, a portfolio career involves combining multiple roles, responsibilities, and revenue streams into a dynamic, personalized career path. For providers, this might mean working part-time clinical shifts, pursuing locum tenens assignments, engaging in telemedicine, participating in academic or research endeavors, consulting, or contributing to healthcare innovation or policy work.
What ties these roles together is purpose and adaptability — a career shaped around evolving interests and lifestyle goals rather than being defined by a single job description.
Why it’s Gaining Momentum
Through my conversations with locum providers, I’ve noticed several converging trends that seem to be driving this change:
- Burnout and concerns about work-life balance are catalysts for many providers seeking more control over their schedules and overall well-being. As such, they are finding that a portfolio approach allows them to create space for rest, creativity, personal development, and new professional endeavors.
- The rise of remote and flexible care delivery, such as telehealth and other technology-enabled healthcare models, has made it easier for clinicians to diversify how and where they practice.
- Changing generational expectations, particularly in younger providers who tend to recognize career success as the ability to have flexibility and autonomy while doing meaningful work.
- The pandemic amplified the continuing need for agile staffing, mobility, and resource sharing across health systems, all of which play into a portfolio-based approach.
The portfolio career isn’t a passing trend. It’s a reflection of a modern healthcare workforce that values self-determination, adaptability and authenticity. Similarly, locum tenens is no longer just a stopgap solution; it’s a strategic, sustainable choice that empowers providers to build fulfilling, flexible careers on their own terms.
A New Definition of Career Success
When I entered this field, gaps on a CV were often viewed as red flags. But in today’s context, those pauses or pivots often reflect intentional decision-making. They show a provider who’s exploring new opportunities, prioritizing their family, volunteering abroad, or investing in their own growth.
Similarly, locum tenens, often considered a backup plan in the past, is now a respected, strategic move. I’ve seen providers use it to test out new geographies, prevent burnout, boost income, or extend careers on their own terms. Some integrate locums alongside fellowships, academic work, or caregiving responsibilities. Others use it seasonally to fund sabbaticals or start their own business ventures.
How Locum Tenens Factors In
Locum tenens work is uniquely suited to this career model for a variety of reasons:
- Flexibility: You choose when and where you work. Assignments can be short-term, long-term, or sporadic.
- Geographic variety: You can explore different healthcare systems, patient populations, and regions across the country. This variety keeps your skills sharp and your professional perspective fresh.
- Financial advantages: Locum tenens positions often offer competitive compensation. As such, providers may boost income or create a financial runway to pursue other interests.
- Skill development: Rotating through different clinical settings can expand your adaptability, problem-solving, and cultural competency, which are all valuable assets in today’s diverse healthcare environment.
- Evolving workforce dynamics: Widespread staffing shortages, demand in rural and underserved areas, and increased mobility have opened the door for locum tenens work to become a sustainable, core component of a diversified career.
The portfolio career isn’t a passing trend. It’s a reflection of a modern healthcare workforce that values self-determination, adaptability and authenticity. Similarly, locum tenens is no longer just a stopgap solution; it’s a strategic, sustainable choice that empowers providers to build fulfilling, flexible careers on their own terms.
And while the path may be nontraditional, you don’t have to navigate it alone. With the right knowledge and a trusted staffing partner who understands the nuances of flexible work, you can create a seamless, rewarding transition into this new professional landscape. Whether you’re seeking your next temporary role or considering a broader shift, the resources and support are ready when you are. Know that you get to define what success looks like and build on it one purposeful role at a time.
Stephanie England is Senior Director of Provider Solutions at Aya Locums and Qualivis. An accomplished leader in healthcare staffing, she has a proven track record in recruiting top-tier physicians and advanced practice providers, and is passionate about creating flexible, sustainable career paths for clinicians.
