In the Wild West of healthcare technology, OpenAI aims to be the sheriff.
Welcome to Locums CME 56, Locumpedia’s bi-weekly news roundup that helps physicians and APPs maximize their locum tenens lifestyle.
Our lead story: AI is shaking up healthcare. While its promise of better outcomes and reduced burnout is real, its pitfalls are just as potent. That’s where OpenAI’s HealthBench comes in. It’s a benchmark designed to make sure AI use in healthcare is meaningful, trustworthy, and supports progress. With AI tools rapidly integrating into clinics and workflows, transparent evaluations like HealthBench are a necessary step toward earning physician confidence and ensuring safer technology adoption.
Also in this edition of Locums CME: What healthcare recruiters wish clinicians understood before signing on, how the cost of living compares across countries for global locums, and why purpose might matter more than pay when it comes to long-term work satisfaction. Additionally, the shifting dynamics of radiology, and why anesthesiologist pay just increased by 5% in one year.
OpenAI Launches HealthBench to Raise the Bar on AI Safety in Medicine
May 13 | Fierce Healthcare
OpenAI has unveiled HealthBench, an open-source benchmark designed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of large language models in real-world healthcare settings. Built in collaboration with 262 physicians across 60 countries, HealthBench ditches simple multiple-choice tests for nuanced conversations that simulate actual patient and clinician interactions. The 5,000 multi-turn, multilingual, and medically diverse scenarios aim to assess models based on accuracy, appropriateness, and safety using detailed physician-written rubrics.
Unlike traditional medical benchmarks, HealthBench reflects what clinicians actually care about: handling diagnostic uncertainty, communicating with clarity, and prioritizing patient safety. Each conversation is evaluated across nearly 49,000 distinct criteria, with scoring calibrated to indicate whether models meet or miss the mark. OpenAI says this more rigorous evaluation is crucial for driving real improvements in AI tools built for healthcare use, where lives are at stake.
Clinicians and researchers alike have welcomed the move. Experts from Stanford and beyond have noted the industry’s overreliance on outdated benchmarks that models now ace with ease. By contrast, HealthBench offers a task-level assessment that captures the complexity of today’s medical practice. With AI tools rapidly integrating into clinics and workflows, trustworthy and transparent evaluations like HealthBench are a necessary step toward earning physician confidence and ensuring safer tech adoption.
Your Locums Prescription
Why Locum Tenens Might Be Your Fastest Route to the C-Suite
May 29 | Integrity Locums
Think locum tenens work sidelines your path to leadership? Think again. The breadth of experience gained through locum assignments may give you a leadership edge. While permanently employed physicians often develop within the confines of one organization, locum providers get a crash course in how different systems operate. From governance styles and staffing models to quality initiatives and budgeting processes, locums are exposed to a wide range of operational playbooks that sharpen their systems thinking and strategic insight.
Locum work also fosters one of the most powerful career accelerators out there: an expansive professional network. Every assignment introduces you to new colleagues, administrators, and specialty teams, building cross-functional relationships that are essential in leadership roles. Plus, you’re often face-to-face with the decision-makers responsible for hiring leaders, meaning every assignment can double as an extended audition for your next big opportunity.
Administrators today want more than clinical competence. They’re looking for physicians who understand organizational dynamics, embrace change, and bring a collaborative mindset. Locums who can speak fluently about diverse compensation models, navigate EHR transitions with ease, and offer insights from across healthcare systems stand out in leadership interviews. Going locum might just be your strongest leadership credential yet.
What Healthcare Recruiters Want You to Know
May 29 | AllMedical Personnel
Working with a healthcare recruiter can open doors, but only if you treat the relationship like a true partnership. That’s why allMedical Personnel recently asked their recruiters what they wished physicians knew.
First, even the best recruiters can’t work magic without the cooperation of candidates. That’s why they want a strong, tailored resume that emphasizes relevant skills and certifications. It also means showcasing soft skills like empathy and time management, which help you stand out long after the interview ends.
They also stressed that transparency is everything. If you’re open to travel, night shifts, or specific contract lengths, say so early. When you’re vague or go silent mid-process, it slows things down or sinks the placement altogether. Recruiters don’t expect perfection, but they do expect communication before, during, and after an assignment. Even a simple thank-you note or weekly check-in can keep you top of mind for the next opportunity.
Above all, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Whether you’re new to locum tenens or a seasoned traveler, understanding everything from onboarding timelines to stipend logistics is crucial. Recruiters love proactive candidates who think long-term, not just paycheck to paycheck. When you’re honest, responsive, and clear about your goals, your recruiter can help you land roles that aren’t just available, but are right for you.
How APPs Are Redefining the Locum Tenens Career Path
May 22 | MPLT Healthcare
APPs, such as nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and certified registered nurse anesthetists, are increasingly stepping into locum tenens roles, and they’re changing the game while they’re at it. What was once a physician-dominated staffing solution is now a thriving option for clinicians seeking greater flexibility and purpose. Facilities are recognizing the value these providers bring, especially in environments stretched thin by workforce shortages, retirements, and unpredictable surges in patient volume. From emergency rooms to outpatient clinics, APPs are filling in crucial gaps and helping facilities maintain quality care.
So what’s drawing advanced practitioners to the locum lifestyle? In a word: choice. Locum work offers providers the freedom to control their schedules, choose locations that align with their personal or professional goals, and spend more time on patient care rather than paperwork. Whether it’s the opportunity to travel, avoid burnout, or make a meaningful impact in underserved communities, locums give APPs the freedom to practice on their terms. And let’s not forget the bonus: competitive pay in high-demand specialties without the long-term administrative burdens of permanent positions.
This model is empowering, and so far, it has proven to be sustainable. Many APPs find themselves transitioning from short-term assignments to full-time locum careers, building a portfolio of rich clinical experiences across diverse settings. With demand rising in areas such as emergency medicine, psychiatry, and surgical support, the opportunities are both plentiful and well-aligned with the expertise that APPs bring to the table. For clinicians ready to explore this path, working with a knowledgeable staffing agency can simplify the process and unlock doors to fulfilling, high-impact roles across the country.
How Far Does Your Paycheck Go Abroad? The Cost of Living for International Locum Tenens Physicians
May 20 | Global Medical Staffing
If you’re considering a locum tenens assignment overseas, one of the first questions you’re likely to ask is: “Will I be able to live comfortably on my paycheck?” The answer? Absolutely, as long as you understand the local cost of living and plan accordingly. Global Medical Staffing breaks it down country by country, revealing what to expect when working in popular international destinations, such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and more.
Australia’s cost of living is slightly lower than that of the US. Still, rent and groceries are generally more affordable in most areas outside major metropolitan centers, making it feel less expensive. Canada offers a similar experience, with added perks like familiar infrastructure and healthcare-related cost savings. Meanwhile, New Zealand charms providers with natural beauty and friendly communities, although imported goods can be pricey. US territories like Guam and the Virgin Islands offer the convenience of the US dollar, but with a steep markup on groceries and housing due to import costs.
Wherever you land, the key is perspective, as well as a few budget hacks. Shopping local, avoiding imported brands, and prepping with essentials (like medications or small appliances) can help your earnings stretch further. And with major expenses like airfare, housing, and transportation often covered, locum assignments abroad can be both financially viable and personally enriching.
Why Telemedicine Is the Perfect Fit for Locum Physicians
May 19 | ProLocums
Forget the suitcase. Telemedicine is reshaping what locum tenens work looks like. With just a secure internet connection, today’s locum providers can deliver high-quality care from home, expanding access to patients nationwide without ever boarding a plane. This isn’t a tomorrow-facing scenario. Virtual care is already mainstream, and it’s opening new doors for physicians seeking to regain flexibility without compromising impact.
Telehealth assignments allow providers to ditch long commutes and hotel living while still making a difference in high-demand areas. With proper licensing, often streamlined through tools like the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, physicians can serve patients in multiple states, alleviate the burden on overwhelmed hospitals, and provide care to underserved communities. The result? More reach, less burnout, and a wider range of clinical experiences that keep your skill set sharp and your workday varied.
But success in telemedicine means being ready. That includes brushing up on HIPAA-compliant platforms, mastering remote charting systems, and refining your “webside” manner. A calm screen presence and strong communication skills go a long way in building trust virtually. For those ready to explore this path, staffing agencies can ease the transition by handling licensure, technical training, and job matching, allowing you to focus on what matters: delivering great care, from wherever you are.
AI on Call
Stanford AI Expert Warns: Don’t Let the Hype Outpace the Safety in Healthcare AI
May 20 | Healthcare IT News
Generative AI is transforming healthcare, but it comes with risks. Dr. Justin Norden, Stanford professor and CEO of Qualified Health, urges hospitals to pump the brakes before jumping headfirst into flashy tools. While AI can streamline documentation, billing, and operations, it has yet to prove reliable in high-stakes clinical care. For now, the smart money is on small, operational wins, like wrangling unstructured data from PDFs and faxes, not dramatic headlines about AI diagnosing patients better than doctors.
Norden’s core message isn’t to pump the brakes on AI. Instead, it’s to proceed with purpose. Many clinicians are already using public AI tools unofficially, which opens the door to privacy violations, data breaches, and severe reputational risks. The first step is to bring these tools “above the table” and into HIPAA-compliant environments with built-in oversight. Avoid public-facing AI that can be exploited or influenced by outside content. Instead, use internal deployments with human-in-the-loop systems that are safe, auditable, and aligned with daily workflows.
Leadership matters more than ever. Norden warns against four common pitfalls: waiting for the EHR vendor to catch up, banning AI tools outright, pursuing too many pilots, or attempting to build everything in-house. The antidote? A focused, organization-wide strategy that prioritizes safety, sets performance thresholds, and empowers staff through ongoing education. The goal isn’t to avoid AI; it’s to use it wisely, ensuring every step forward is grounded in value, governance, and trust.
The Benefits of Slowing Down and Asking AI for a Second Opinion
May 19 | KevinMD
Speed is essential in medicine, but it can also be a trap. Snap judgments in triage, pattern recognition on a scan, or reassurances based on last week’s chart note might feel efficient, but they’re vulnerable to cognitive bias. Psychologist Daniel Kahneman’s “System 1 vs. System 2” thinking helps explain this: System 1 is fast and instinctive, while System 2 is slow and analytical. As he puts it, most diagnostic errors occur when System 1 takes over, and System 2 remains silent.
Biases like anchoring, confirmation bias, and premature closure are hardwired into our brains. Fortunately, clinicians can reduce errors by building friction into their thinking. That starts with knowing when to slow down. If a case feels “off” or symptoms are vague, especially in elderly patients, use those moments as a cue to bring System 2 online. Decision “hygiene” techniques like checklisting, getting independent second opinions, and breaking complex judgments into parts can make your thinking more consistent and less noisy.
And yes, AI can help. It’s not a substitute for judgment, but used well, AI tools can nudge you to reconsider your decision, highlight conflicting data, or simply ask, “Are you sure?” It’s not about replacing your clinical acumen. It’s about giving your slower brain a fighting chance. Because in the end, better decisions don’t always take longer. They just require intention.
Physician Wellness Retreat
Why Purpose Beats Pay in Long-Term Career Fulfillment
May 28 | The White Coat Investor
After years of training for intellectually and emotionally demanding roles, many physicians still find themselves feeling burned out or dissatisfied. Pediatric cardiologist and medical educator Dr. Jimmy Turner argues that this disconnect often stems from choosing jobs based on prestige, pay, or job security, rather than the factors that actually predict long-term fulfillment. Drawing on his experience teaching medical students and his review of the research on human flourishing, Turner encourages physicians to focus less on external rewards and more on the elements that truly fuel happiness at work.
The data clearly states that lasting job satisfaction hinges on five core elements: high-quality relationships, autonomy, purpose, mastery, and time affluence. Strong workplace relationships boost resilience, while autonomy over one’s schedule and clinical decisions helps stave off burnout. Reconnecting with the “why” behind your work, continuing to grow professionally, and protecting time outside of work all contribute more to sustained well-being than another raise or title. Practical takeaways? Choose jobs with people you respect, negotiate for schedule flexibility, and don’t underestimate the value of time to recharge or be with family.
Turner also addresses the role of salary and status. While money does correlate with happiness, the benefit depends on how it’s used. Physicians who use income to buy back time, reduce clinical hours, or support meaningful goals tend to be more fulfilled than those who simply accumulate more. Status alone, he cautions, is fleeting. Instead, physicians should design careers that align with their values, choosing growth, relationships, and purpose over chasing the next paycheck. Because when it comes to long-term flourishing, it’s not just about where you work; it’s how you work, and why.
How Patient Messages Are Driving Primary Care Docs to the Brink, And What Might Save Them
May 30 | MedicalXpress
Primary care doctors are burning out, and one overlooked culprit is the nonstop stream of patient messages through electronic portals. What began as a COVID-era communication boost has evolved into an overwhelming aspect of the job, driving some physicians to reduce their hours or leave practice altogether.
New research from the University of Michigan highlights ways to make this digital workload more manageable. One study found that women physicians spend more time on messages, face more negative patient interactions, and report higher burnout. Another tested 20-minute protected time blocks for handling messages. While this didn’t reduce overall volume, it helped doctors feel more in control. A third intervention that used clear message-routing protocols led to a 16% drop in physician message load and a 62% cut in duplicate messages.
The takeaway: Digital communication isn’t going away, but thoughtful, team-based strategies can help make it sustainable. Protecting time, clarifying responsibilities, and rethinking message workflows may be key to maintaining a humane primary care experience and retaining doctors in the profession.
The Secret Way Hospitals Can Retain Physicians: Make Them Feel Valued
May 27 | American Medical Association
Feeling valued is more than a feel-good phrase. It means physicians are heard, supported, and respected in their work. According to new AMA survey data from nearly 18,000 physicians across more than 100 health systems, nearly 55% of respondents reported feeling valued by their organization in 2024. That’s up from 50% in 2023 and 46% in 2022. While the trend is promising, disparities remain. Women physicians report feeling valued less often than men, and hospital medicine had the lowest percentage of physicians who felt appreciated.
To address this, healthcare systems are becoming more creative and intentional. Bayhealth rejected the term “provider” to affirm physician identity. Hattiesburg Clinic and Texas Children’s Pediatrics launched wellness and engagement committees to open communication with leadership. Sanford Health focused on building a people-first culture to support long-term strategy, while Sutter Health implemented low-cost recognition practices like handwritten notes, meeting shoutouts, and a gratitude app.
The AMA says feeling valued is a key performance indicator for physician well-being, and it could be the difference between keeping or losing talent. With 58% of physicians saying they are thriving at work, organizations that invest in meaningful support and recognition may not just retain their staff but also create a healthier, more sustainable workforce.
Doctor’s Notes
Telehealth Use Among PAs Nears 50% as Acceptance and Access Grow
May 29 | Medscape
Telehealth is no longer a pandemic workaround. According to the AAPA’s 2025 Salary Report, a permanent tool in the care kit for nearly half of physician associates. In 2019, just under 10% of PAs used telemedicine. That figure has now jumped to 49%, especially in primary care and internal medicine, where remote tools support initial diagnoses, follow-ups, and chronic care management. PAs like Dane Thomas say the flexibility improves work-life balance without compromising care, and patients appreciate the convenience.
Experts acknowledge that telehealth isn’t perfect or one-size-fits-all. Tiffany Ryder, a PA advising health systems, stresses that virtual care works best when there’s an existing provider-patient relationship. It can also serve as a triage tool, helping families or urgent care patients get the proper care at the right time. While critics worry about quality, studies have shown that outcomes in primary care remain steady with telemedicine.
Both Thomas and Ryder agree that the future of telehealth lies in smart, tailored implementation. With staffing shortages and rural access gaps still in play, thoughtful use of remote care could improve efficiency and expand reach. And as Sean Kolhoff of the AAPA noted, PAs have already shown they’re ready to embrace the tech that helps patients most.
Radiologist Market FAQs: Telehealth, Telerads, Locums, and Breast Imaging Trends
May 29 | Benwhite.com
Seasoned radiologist Ben White shares candid answers to the questions flooding his inbox after the RSNA, ACR, and ASNR conferences. First, he tackles the viability of private practice. Still possible, but facing pressures from market consolidation and staffing demands. Teleradiology? Here to stay, especially for off-hours coverage, but the rise in remote-only roles risks cultural fragmentation and long-term dissatisfaction for new grads chasing convenience over connection. Locum tenens work? Highly lucrative if a little unstable. And fellowship training? Optional in some markets, essential in others. Ultimately, it depends on your goals and where you want to live.
Breast imaging is in high demand, thanks to its high reimbursement and the appeal of regular hours, but some newer entrants are chasing a lifestyle more than a passion. That could backfire if market forces shift. AI is making significant inroads in this subfield, particularly with mammography’s structured format and its potential for automation. Meanwhile, “telemammo” gigs are booming, but whether this model is sustainable remains uncertain. High volume and narrow task scopes make breast imaging an attractive AI target.
Bottom line: Work-from-home flexibility and financial upside are real, but radiologists should also consider deeper factors, such as connection, career growth, and job stability. The current job market offers opportunities, but you need to be wise about which ones you take.
Anesthesiologists See Rising Pay and Opportunity, Especially in Locum Tenens Roles
May 29 | Comphealth
Average anesthesiologist pay rose by 5% last year, but many still feel undercompensated. ZipRecruiter data shows significant salary variations by state, with Washington leading the pack at over $445K annually. States like Nevada, North Dakota, and Vermont are using financial incentives and workforce investments to attract providers, while lifestyle perks like no income tax or abundant outdoor access sweeten the deal. Still, the cost of living and healthcare infrastructure challenges vary widely from state to state.
Locum tenens work may be a smarter path to higher pay. With average rates ranging from $275 to $325 per hour, it far outpaces traditional salaried roles, even in top-paying states. Physicians like Dr. Ahmed Abdel Rahman and Dr. Noel Lumpkin turned to locums for better financial control and work-life flexibility. “Every minute of your life counts financially,” Rahman explained. Lumpkin added, “After two years, I decided there was no turning back.”
While state-by-state salaries are trending upward, locum tenens continues to offer anesthesiologists higher hourly rates, lifestyle autonomy, and a better overall return on investment, making it a compelling alternative in a competitive, high-demand market.
How to Read Job Descriptions Like a Pro And Spot Red Flags Early
May 29 | Winston Resources
Before you hit “apply,” a job description can offer critical insights into a company’s culture, compensation approach, and how much it values its people. Watch out for vague salary language, such as “competitive pay” or overly buzzy terms like “rockstar multitasker.” They sound nice, but often signal disorganization or undercompensation. Instead, prioritize roles that list transparent pay, clear responsibilities, and meaningful growth opportunities. If a company outlines mentorship, training, or career progression pathways, it’s more likely to invest in your long-term success.
Words like “fast-paced” or “wear many hats” aren’t just filler; they might warn of burnout, understaffing, or undefined roles. Likewise, cultural clues matter: If an organization claims to prioritize integrity or equity, look for examples like community engagement or sustainability practices. The more detailed and honest a listing is about challenges and perks alike, the more likely it is to reflect a thoughtful, people-first workplace. Don’t be afraid to ask clarifying questions or tap your network for intel. When job descriptions get specific, everyone wins.
Sponsored Content
Working Locum Tenens in Multiple States? Here’s What You Need to Know About Taxes
April 28 | The Doctor’s CPA
Working as a locum tenens across multiple states can lead to higher earnings and greater freedom, but it also entails complex tax obligations. Many physicians assume they only owe taxes in their home state, but that’s not always the case. If you spend more than 183 days in a state with income tax, you may be treated as a resident and owe tax on all income, even if some was earned elsewhere. Non-residents typically pay tax only on income earned in the state, but the rules vary widely, and it’s easy to miss important details.
Double taxation is a real risk when two states try to tax the same income. Fortunately, many states offer credits to offset taxes paid elsewhere, but you have to claim them properly. Careful tracking of where you work, how long you’re there, and how much you earn is essential. So is documenting work-related expenses, which may be deductible: think travel, lodging, licensing fees, and even a home office. Online tools can be helpful, but staying organized requires regular attention.
If you’d rather focus on patients than paperwork, working with a CPA who specializes in locum tenens taxes is a smart move. A knowledgeable accountant can help you avoid penalties, claim all available deductions and credits, and handle multi-state filings with confidence. The bottom line: a little planning goes a long way toward protecting your income and your peace of mind.
