What inspired your medical journey?
Welcome to Locums CME 53, Locumpedia’s bi-weekly news roundup that helps physicians and APPs maximize their locum tenens lifestyle.
Our lead story: In the last edition, we covered a report from LocumTenens.com and Jackson Physician Search that explored how a strong sense of purpose can reduce burnout and boost job satisfaction. One key insight from the report was the diverse, deeply personal reasons that drew providers into medicine. This time, Locumtenens.com is back with some of the most compelling stories from the survey, ranging from childhood memories sparking a lifelong passion for care to personal losses driving providers to help others in meaningful ways.
Also in this edition of Locums CME: Physician burnout may have dipped from its pandemic peak, but it’s still a significant concern. The Interstate Medical Licensure Compact gives providers easier access to work nationwide. AI scribes are helping ease burnout, but haven’t quite cracked the financial return on investment. Plus, more doctors are exploring creative ways to advance their careers, and we break down the six specialties every hospital is looking to hire.
Clinicians Reflect on the Moments that Called Them to Medicine
March 26 | LocumTenens.com
Is the passion still there that caused you to pursue medicine? In a recent feature by LocumTenens.com, physicians and APPs shared personal stories about the pivotal moments that inspired them to pursue medical careers. In a related post, they highlighted that providers’ initial sense of purpose motivates them to keep going despite difficult circumstances. While they previously addressed what this means for the future of healthcare, this time, they take a moment to highlight some of their survey’s most moving responses.
One clinician recounted being inspired by a sibling’s dedication during a critical medical emergency. Another recalled the comforting presence of a doctor during a family health crisis, which left a lasting impression. Other stories include experiences such as shadowing a rural family medicine doctor, the loss of a friend to leukemia, and early interests in caring for animals, all of which influenced their decisions to enter the medical field.
These reflections are a powerful reminder that every provider’s path into healthcare is personal, but the calling to care for others is a common thread. As conversations around burnout continue, it’s worth pausing to remember what drew us to this work in the first place and what keeps us showing up day after day.
Physician Burnout Declines from Pandemic Peak But Remains a Concern
April 10 | Radiology Business
A recent survey conducted by Stanford University and published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings reveals that approximately 45% of US physicians reported at least one symptom of burnout in late 2023. This marks a decrease from the peak of 63% in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite this improvement, physicians experience higher burnout rates than the general US workforce.
The study surveyed 7,643 physicians across various specialties and found that 42% were satisfied with their work-life integration in 2023, an increase from 30% in 2021. However, physicians were still less likely to be satisfied with work-life balance than other US workers, even after adjusting for age, gender, and hours worked per week. The American Medical Association (AMA) attributes persistent burnout to systemic issues like administrative burdens and inefficient technology. AMA President Bruce A. Scott, MD, emphasized the need for continued efforts to drive policy change, reduce burdens, and improve workflows and technology to address the root causes of physician burnout.
The AMA is still in the ring, pushing for systemic fixes that support physician well-being and improve patient care. But burnout didn’t start with COVID-19. As the pandemic fades further into the background, the entire healthcare community needs to stop treating burnout like a post-COVID side effect and start tackling it like the long-standing issue it is.
Lawmakers Reintroduce Bill To Permanently Expand Medicare Telehealth Access
April 3 | Broadband Breakfast
A bipartisan group of over 60 senators has reintroduced legislation to permanently establish the telehealth flexibilities under Medicare that were enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic. These provisions, which have been temporarily extended, will expire on September 30 unless further congressional action is taken.
The proposed bill seeks to eliminate geographic restrictions, broaden the range of practitioners eligible for Medicare telehealth reimbursement, remove the requirement for periodic in-person visits, allow for easier waivers during public health emergencies, and mandate increased data publication for research purposes. The legislation has been reintroduced multiple times since 2016, with updates in each iteration.
The reintroduction of this bill reflects ongoing efforts to adapt healthcare services to the digital age. It ensures that Medicare beneficiaries continue to have access to telehealth services beyond the temporary measures enacted during the pandemic.
Interstate Medical Licensure Compact Expands Physician Mobility Across the US
April 4 | Floyd Lee Locums
The IMLC offers physicians an expedited pathway to practice medicine across multiple states, streamlining the licensing process while maintaining rigorous standards. As of January 2025, the IMLC includes 37 states, the District of Columbia, and the Territory of Guam, with four additional states introducing legislation to join the Compact.
The IMLC allows qualified physicians to obtain licenses in participating states through a single application process, reducing the time and administrative burden associated with traditional state-by-state licensing. This facilitates increased access to healthcare, particularly in underserved and rural areas, by enabling medical specialists to reach these communities more efficiently. The Compact also enhances public protection by allowing member states to share investigative and disciplinary information.
By simplifying the licensing process, the IMLC supports greater physician mobility and flexibility, contributing to improved healthcare delivery across its member states. It also makes it easier to travel between states for work, which is excellent for locum tenens providers or those who want to expand their job opportunities.
Physician Wellness Retreat
Despite Lower Burnout Rates, Rural Locum Providers Face Distinct Challenges
March 28 | Wilderness Medical Staffing
A recent article from Wilderness Medical Staffing highlights that 71% of locum physicians report little to no burnout, compared to 40% of full-time providers, and 95% report moderate to high morale in their roles. This is primarily due to the flexibility, autonomy, and fewer bureaucratic constraints that make locum work appealing.
Despite these advantages, rural assignments present distinct mental health challenges. Providers may face long hours, frequent on-call duties, and professional isolation, especially in remote areas where they might be the sole clinician for miles. Environmental factors like extreme weather and limited daylight, particularly in regions like Alaska, can also impact well-being. To mitigate these challenges, the article suggests strategies such as establishing self-care routines, staying connected with loved ones, and utilizing available support systems, including peer networks and employer-provided resources.
While systemic changes are necessary to address the underlying causes of burnout, locums providers are uniquely positioned to take advantage of their flexibility and face these challenges head-on. By proactively addressing these challenges, they can maintain their well-being and thrive in their roles, even in the most remote settings.
Physician Wellness Reframed as Strategic Necessity in Healthcare
April 4 | KevinMD
In her article on KevinMD, Dr. Jessie Mahoney argues that physician wellness should be viewed as a strategic imperative rather than a moral crusade. She emphasizes the need for healthcare leaders to align wellness initiatives with organizational priorities to advocate for systemic change effectively.
Dr. Mahoney critiques the traditional medical culture, which often glorifies self-sacrifice and burnout, and suggests that such an approach is unsustainable. She advocates shifting towards a culture that values clarity, intention, and balance. She believes physicians can achieve lasting well-being and drive meaningful transformation within the healthcare system by leveraging mindfulness, coaching, and lifestyle medicine.
She concludes by highlighting the importance of strategic, aligned efforts in promoting physician wellness, suggesting that such an approach is essential for creating a more sustainable and human-centered medical culture.
Early Study of AI Scribes Finds Decreased Burnout
March 25 | Fierce Healthcare and Axios
A recent evaluation by the Peterson Health Technology Institute reveals that AI-powered medical transcription tools, known as AI scribes, effectively reduce clinician burnout but have yet to demonstrate significant financial benefits.
The report highlights that Mass General Brigham experienced a 40% reduction in reported burnout during a six-week pilot study of an AI scribe. Despite the growing popularity of these tools, with approximately 60 companies now offering AI scribe technology, their impact on provider efficiency remains uncertain. A study involving 112 physicians at Atrium Health found no significant enhancement in provider efficiency when using ambient AI scribes.
AI scribes could help ease the burden of burnout, but we’re still waiting on more data to see whether the payoff justifies the price. New tech is shaping how providers work, but a full-blown transformation is still on the horizon.
Social Media Gives Locum Providers New Ways To Build Community and Career Opportunities
March 27 | Medicus Healthcare Solutions
Locum tenens work may be temporary, but its impact on professional development can be long-lasting, especially when amplified through social media.
A recent article from Medicus Healthcare Solutions outlines three primary benefits of social media use for locum tenens physicians and advanced practitioners. First, platforms like LinkedIn and Doximity offer opportunities to build professional connections. Second, content-sharing tools allow clinicians to establish thought leadership and elevate their visibility in the field. Third, social media helps locum providers find job leads, stay updated on trends, and research new assignments.
The article notes that 71% of internet users use social media to gather information. It suggests that social media use can demonstrate your expertise, personality, and values, giving potential employers a fuller picture of a candidate. It recommends that providers highlight their locum experiences and skills through consistent posts, engage meaningfully with others in the industry, and track the engagement metrics of their content to understand its reach and resonance.
Using social media as a strategic career tool, locum tenens providers can increase their visibility, expand their networks, and uncover new assignment opportunities.
Doctor’s Notes
Six Medical Specialties See Rising Demand for Locum Tenens Providers
April 9 | AllMedical Personnel and MPLT Healthcare
Staffing shortages aren’t slowing down, and healthcare facilities rely on locum tenens providers across the board to keep care accessible. But where’s the highest demand right now? MPLT Healthcare and All Medical Personnel dug into the data and spotlighted six specialties leading the pack.
- Internal medicine: These physicians are in high demand because they can handle a broad spectrum of conditions in both rural and urban care settings.
- Anesthesiology: Hospitals and surgical centers need anesthesiologists to maintain safe, uninterrupted care in the OR.
- OB/GYN: Women’s health can’t wait, especially in underserved areas where OB/GYNs are often the only option for miles.
- Psychiatry: As mental health needs rise, psychiatrists are playing a vital role in expanding access to behavioral health services.
- Gastroenterology: Providers in this specialty are filling gaps in digestive care where specialists are hard to come by.
- Emergency medicine: Fast-paced, high-stakes care still depends on locum tenens physicians ready to jump in where needed most.
For providers, these specialties offer more than just flexibility; they offer purpose-driven work, a wide range of clinical experiences, and the chance to make a real difference in patient care.
Doctors Explore Unconventional Career Paths To Boost Income and Diversify Skills
April 9 | White Coat Investor
Physicians looking to boost their income and broaden their horizons are increasingly stepping off the beaten path. In a recent White Coat Investor article, Dr. Sylvie Stacy points out that many doctors still default to full-time roles in hospitals or outpatient clinics. Still, a whole world of alternative opportunities taps into their clinical skills in new ways.
These nontraditional paths can be a form of professional cross-training, from unique patient populations and specialized care settings to roles in unrecognized clinical niches and nonclinical industries. For example, consider a hospitalist picking up leadership skills as a part-time medical director at a correctional facility or a urologist sharpening their research chops through medical editing work.
Beyond variety, these gigs can deliver benefits like greater flexibility, improved work-life balance, and sometimes even better pay. For physicians ready to mix things up, branching out can mean more control over their careers and a more sustainable way to practice medicine.
AI Tools Enhance Patient Care, but Challenges Remain
April 3 | Medical Economics
AI is carving out a bigger role in healthcare, not just behind the scenes, but in direct patient care. Tools like speech recognition and natural language processing are shaving down documentation time, giving physicians more bandwidth to focus on what matters: their patients. In areas like coding and billing, AI is speeding up tasks like specialty pharmacy authorizations and helping clinicians reclaim their workflow.
But it’s not plug-and-play. Effective AI use still hinges on clean data, thoughtful integration, and attention to security. Clinicians adopting new tools should lean on lessons learned from early adopters, watch for workflow hiccups, and keep data protection front and center.
The bottom line is that AI can potentially reduce administrative burden and improve care, but it only works when implemented with intention. Providers should be cautiously optimistic about experimenting with how these tools can improve their administrative burdens and patient experiences.
Sponsored Content
Advanced Practice Providers Weigh Locum Tenens Against Independent Practice
March 24 | OnCall Solutions
Advanced practice providers are looking closer at career paths that balance professional growth with personal well-being. Two strong contenders? Independent practice and locum tenens. Each has its own perks and a few trade-offs.
Independent practice puts APPs in the driver’s seat, offering complete control over patient care, schedules, and business decisions. In states that allow full practice authority, nurse practitioners and CRNAs can diagnose, treat, and prescribe independently. Some physician assistants are gaining more autonomy, too, depending on state laws. The upside is that there is more financial control and the chance to grow revenue by setting rates and expanding services. The tradeoff? You’re also responsible for overhead, staffing, and liability coverage.
Locum tenens, on the other hand, offers freedom without the paperwork. APPs can step into short-term roles in various settings, often earning higher hourly rates than traditional salaried positions. Many assignments include travel perks and built-in malpractice coverage. And since the focus is on patient care, not running a business, it’s a low-lift way to gain experience and flexibility. Remember: clinical autonomy can vary depending on the assignment and local regulations.
Occurrence vs. Claims-Made Malpractice Insurance for Oncologists
April 15 | Cancer Carepoint
Navigating malpractice insurance is necessary for every oncologist, no matter the specialty. Cancer Carepoint’s latest guide takes a deep dive into the two essential types of malpractice coverage you need to understand: Occurrence and Claims-Made. Occurrence policies offer long-term protection by covering incidents during the policy period, even if claims are filed later. However, they come with higher premiums and can be harder to secure. On the other hand, Claims-Made policies are more affordable upfront, but only cover incidents reported. In contrast, the policy is active, requiring tail coverage if the policy ends before a claim is filed.
Tail coverage is crucial for locum tenens providers, as oncology care often involves long-term treatment plans where claims may arise months or even years later. While claims-made policies can offer flexible, cost-effective options, they carry risks like shared coverage limits and the need for additional coverage if you switch jobs or roles.
Ultimately, the right choice depends on your career stage and goals. Claims-made insurance may be ideal for short-term assignments or those just starting. At the same time, occurrence coverage is often preferred for long-term stability and fewer gaps, especially when frequently changing roles. Whatever your choice, ensure you’re fully protected and consult with an expert to find the best fit for your unique needs.
