The locum tenens industry is evolving, reshaping how providers work and how facilities plan for care.
Welcome to Locums CME 66, Locumpedia’s bi-weekly news roundup that helps physicians and APPs maximize their locum tenens lifestyle.
Our lead story: CHG Healthcare’s 2025 State of Locum Tenens Report makes a strong case that the locum tenens industry has evolved from a short-term staffing approach into a strategic workforce solution for healthcare facilities nationwide. For clinicians, that shift brings new opportunities: higher demand, competitive pay, local assignments, and more control over your schedule. Whether you’re picking up extra shifts or exploring full-time locum work, there has never been a better time to choose this practice alternative.
Also in this edition of Locums CME: How to pick the best assignment for your needs, practical AI tips for clinicians, and why mental health should be part of your financial plans. Plus, we share some of the best holiday discounts for providers and six must-do steps for new locums.
Locum Tenens in 2025: A Strategic Career Path in a Shifting Healthcare Landscape
October 27 | CHG Healthcare
CHG Healthcare released its 2025 State of Locum Tenens Report in late October, and it has big findings for providers. While locum tenens has primarily been used as a stopgap by healthcare organizations, that’s changing as they begin to include locums as part of their long-term care strategies. That means more resources, more opportunities, and more stability for clinicians pursuing part- or full-time locum work.
The report also dives into the latest demographic data, including findings that 73% of locum tenens providers work in urban or suburban settings. On top of that, 58% of assignments are local, showing that locum practice today is often closer to home than many may realize.
Finally, demand continues to rise. This is especially true for APPs, with 39% of facilities planning to increase hiring of NPs, PAs, and most of all, CRNAs. As more clinicians cite economic strain and persistent burnout, locum work will be an increasingly attractive option for providers seeking greater autonomy and financial stability.
Your Locums Prescription
How Locums Can Restore Work-Life Balance for Clinicians
October 27 | LocumTenens.com
For physicians and APPs juggling long hours, patient quotas, and administrative overload, achieving work-life balance can feel out of reach. But for many, locum tenens offers a viable solution that puts autonomy and well-being back at the center of their careers.
One of the most significant advantages of locum work is the ability to control your schedule. Whether you’re seeking seasonal opportunities, short-term coverage between jobs, or just want built-in breaks, locum assignments let you choose when and where you work. That freedom allows for more time for family, travel, or personal pursuits without walking away from clinical practice.
Locum providers also report less burnout thanks to reduced administrative responsibilities. With fewer ongoing tasks like billing or serving on hospital committees, you can focus on patient care. Agencies routinely handle logistics like credentialing and often help facilitate onboarding. The result is more energy, fulfillment, and a career that supports the life you want on your terms.
Locum Tenens 101: A Flexible Career Path with Purpose
October 20 | CompHealth
Locum tenens practice began in 1979 as a way to support rural health systems facing physician shortages. Today, it offers clinicians increased freedom and a renewed connection to medicine. From new grads to seasoned doctors, many turn to locum work to reduce stress and fatigue, regain control of their schedule, or explore new professional settings.
For example, Drs. Rip Patel and Shyrlena Bogard credit locum tenens with restoring their passion for medicine and helping them achieve personal goals, from better work-life balance to launching a private practice. Locum contracts often come with competitive pay, malpractice coverage, and travel support, making them a strong choice for supplemental income or full-time practice.
The locum lifestyle isn’t one-size-fits-all. Assignments range from local weekend coverage to extended contracts throughout the US and abroad. Beyond the adventure, locums can sharpen clinical skills and expand experience across diverse patient populations. Whether you’re starting your career in medicine, reevaluating your path, or easing into retirement, locum tenens offers a practical way to stay engaged with flexibility and choice.
How to Land the Right Locum Tenens Job
October 28 | Medicus Healthcare Solutions
Whether you’re a long-practicing clinician or new to the field, finding the right locum tenens job can unlock greater flexibility, income, and career satisfaction. Start by defining your must-haves (e.g., location, schedule, and setting), and ensure your licenses, certifications, and documents are current. Know your goals up front to stay focused as opportunities are shared for your consideration.
Most providers partner with a locum tenens agency to simplify the process. These companies handle job matching, credentialing, travel, housing, and even malpractice coverage, allowing you to focus on patient care. While some choose to contract directly with facilities, that route can involve more administrative tasks, delayed start dates, and out-of-pocket logistics. Staffing firms offer added value with recruiter guidance, exclusive opportunities, and support throughout each assignment.
When reviewing offers, evaluate each one against your original goals. Ask questions about pay, patient load, and support staff. It’s okay to decline opportunities that don’t align with your goals. After all, one of the biggest perks of locum tenens is the freedom to choose assignments that work for you. With a solid plan and the right partner, building a fulfilling locum career isn’t just possible but practical.
6 Must-Do Prep Steps Before Your First Locum Assignment
August 12 | ProLocums
If you’re shifting from a full-time role or just completed residency, you may wonder how to best prepare for your first locum job. With a clear plan and a bit of organization, you can have a successful start. From streamlining documentation to researching assignments, investing in a solid prep routine early on sets you up for a smooth, rewarding experience.
First, make sure all your credentials are up to date and organized clearly for easy tracking, and get a head start on state licenses, especially if you’re applying outside of your home state. You’ll need to review DEA registrations and malpractice insurance details as well, including whether policies are occurrence-based or claims-made. As an independent contractor, you must secure your own health and disability insurance.
Networking and research are just as essential. Build relationships with recruiters and peers, and vet every assignment thoroughly, from the facility’s EHR system to housing logistics. When it comes time to negotiate, clarify scheduling, pay, termination terms, and on-site expectations. The more groundwork you do now, the more flexibility and confidence you’ll enjoy when your first assignment begins.
AI On Call
Former CDC Director on AI: Promise, Pitfalls, and the Role of Clinicians
November 5 | Mobi Health News
At a recent Future of Health summit, former CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky shared a candid view of how AI could reshape clinical practice and where it still falls short. She noted while AI can help fill care gaps, improve documentation, and assist with diagnosis, it shouldn’t be used to justify higher patient loads or unrealistic efficiency targets for clinicians.
Dr. Walensky also raised concerns about lingering bias in AI models. She noted that discussions about bias have subsided, even though algorithms can perpetuate disparities by underrepresenting underserved populations. She emphasized the ongoing importance of the “human element,” especially in clinical judgment and interpretation.
Lastly, Dr. Walensky reflected on tech lessons from the pandemic, pointing to telehealth, wastewater monitoring, and crowdsourced thermometers as examples of how technology can improve early detection and access. For clinicians, her message was clear: AI may change how medicine is practiced, but people will always be at the heart of patient care.
How To Keep AI Tools Compliant and Patient-Safe
November 7 | Medical Economics
AI is reshaping clinical workflows, documentation, diagnostics, and operations, but its rapid adoption brings serious responsibilities. Whether you’re in private practice, part of a hospital system, or working locum tenens, it’s essential to evaluate AI tools carefully for privacy, bias, and compliance risks. With new federal guidance, including the Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology’s (ONC’s) HTI-1 Final Rule and the HHS 2025 AI Strategic Plan, physicians must ensure vendors sign Business Associate Agreements (BAAs) and that all subcontractors comply with HIPAA.
Providers should ask for an “AI nutrition label” detailing the tool’s source data, known limitations, and demographic accuracy. In addition, ensure that AI informs decisions without replacing clinical judgment. Pay close attention to algorithmic bias, especially in tools related to triage, diagnostics, scheduling, or documentation.
Finally, shift from generic AI disclosures to informed patient consent. Establish a governance process that includes audit trails and human oversight. Choose tools that align with the HHS’s FAVES criteria (Fair, Appropriate, Valid, Effective, and Safe), so your use of AI supports better care without sacrificing patient trust.
Physician Wellness Retreat
Why Mental Health Should Be Part of Your Financial Plan
October 28 | The White Coat Investor
Burnout affects nearly half of physicians, and while most understand the risk it poses to their well-being, it can also be a financial burden. Emotional exhaustion, reduced productivity, and poor decision-making can lead to missed income, early exits from medicine, and costly coping behaviors. For locum tenens providers, who frequently juggle intense workloads and travel, the risks of work-related stress and fatigue can accumulate quickly and silently.
Unchecked burnout affects more than your schedule. It can lead to missed financial milestones, avoidable spending, strained relationships, and higher malpractice risk. For high-income earners, even a slight drop in productivity or a few years lost from early retirement can mean significant financial losses. Protecting your mental clarity is just as important as protecting your investment portfolio.
Prioritizing your mental health is a strategic move. Small changes like setting boundaries, seeking support, or auditing your time can yield long-term benefits. Whether you’re pursuing financial independence or simply seeking a sustainable career, mental health is not a luxury. It’s an essential asset worth investing in.
Can AI Help Prevent Burnout? Sutter Health Says Yes
November 6 | Newsweek
A recent Sutter Health study found that ambient AI note-taking tools may help ease burnout by reducing time spent on documentation and lowering cognitive load. Physicians using the AI platform Abridge reported increased satisfaction, more efficient workflows, and better visit experiences. Although there were minor functionality concerns, many clinicians said the technology helped them stay more present during patient visits and that it should be widely available.
This matters for locum tenens providers, who often navigate new systems, high documentation demands, and tight schedules. According to the AMA, nearly half of doctors reported burnout symptoms in 2023, primarily driven by administrative burdens. Sutter’s research supports what many locums already know: time spent charting often outweighs time spent with patients, especially outside regular clinic hours.
For providers on assignment, tools like ambient AI could improve quality of life, enhance focus, and streamline charting across facilities. As temporary roles already require adaptability, ambient AI might serve as a practical support for managing workload and protecting long-term well-being in the ever-evolving locums landscape.
More Than 1,800 Organizations Support Mental Health Access for Physicians
November 3 | American Medical Association
Over 1,800 health systems and 60 licensing boards have removed intrusive mental health questions from credentialing and licensing forms, allowing more than two million healthcare workers to seek care without fear of professional repercussions. Spearheaded by the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation and supported by the AMA, this initiative aims to eliminate stigma around mental health, helping clinicians access support early, before reaching a crisis point.
Removing unnecessary disclosures about mental health history streamlines the process and ensures physicians don’t have to choose between transparency and their livelihood. The AMA calls these reforms “a critical step” toward strengthening the healthcare workforce and improving patient care.
The Wellbeing First initiative has also seen rapid adoption across a broader range of care settings, including ambulatory clinics and emergency departments. Recognized organizations are designated as “Wellbeing First Champions,” reinforcing a growing culture of support where clinician well-being is seen as essential to high-quality care.
Doctor’s Notes
Hospitals and Academic Centers Drive Physician Hiring
October 31 | Becker’s Hospital Review
A recent AMN Healthcare report shows hospitals and academic medical centers (AMCs) have increased physician recruitment over the past year, with hospitals accounting for 34% of job postings and AMCs accounting for 28%. This marks a notable rise from the previous year, when hospitals made up 28% and AMCs 22% of clinician job searches. Medical groups held steady at 24% of postings, while other settings like urgent care, community health centers, and concierge practices were a smaller share.
For locum tenens providers, these shifts suggest more short- and long-term opportunities in hospital-based and academic settings, where staffing needs remain strong despite tight budgets. However, the outlook is mixed. AMN warns that financial uncertainty, potential funding cuts, and hiring freezes at some AMCs may slow recruitment in the coming year.
Locums may benefit from this climate by filling gaps in systems under hiring constraints. As permanent hiring cools, flexible, temporary staffing solutions can help facilities sustain care access, making experienced locum providers a critical resource in this evolving market.
Top Holiday Discounts for Healthcare Workers: 2025 Edition
November 3 | Cross Country
This holiday season, major brands are showing appreciation for healthcare professionals with exclusive discounts across travel, apparel, tech, and wellness. Verified physicians, NPs, and allied providers can unlock up to 25% off hotel stays via Expedia and Hotels.com, while Marriott’s “Healthcare Heroes” program gives qualifying clinicians a 30% discount. Delta Air Lines is also offering reduced fares and perks through its Partner Perks page.
For apparel, healthcare workers can save on favorites like FIGS, Clove, Nike, and Adidas, with discounts ranging from 10% to 30%. Tech brands like Apple, Samsung, and Fitbit are also offering generous deals on devices, while wellness-focused companies like Headspace, Therabody, and Brooklinen provide meaningful savings to help providers rest and recharge between shifts.
If you plan on taking advantage of these deals, remember to use ID.me or SheerID to verify employment and ensure access to the best rates. It’s a great moment to invest in a little self-care and convenience after a demanding year on the front lines.
Sponsored Content
Physician Wealth Management: Six Smart Moves for 2026
October 27 | The Doctor’s CPA
For locum tenens providers and 1099 physicians, building long-term financial security in 2026 starts with a clear, proactive strategy. Given delayed earnings and shifting economic pressures, step one is establishing a stable foundation: track cash flow, build an emergency fund, evaluate debt, and confirm adequate insurance coverage. From there, structure your tax strategy. For example, forming an S corporation or LLC can reduce self-employment tax, while tools like HSAs, SEP IRAs, and backdoor Roths offer key savings advantages.
Step three focuses on investing. Define your goals, diversify across low-cost index funds or alternative assets, and rebalance regularly. Step four addresses the realities of locum work, including variable income, multi-state tax rules, and the need for self-funded retirement plans. Solo 401(k)s and cash balance plans can help high earners save more effectively, and contract negotiations should consider non-compensation pay like housing or travel stipends.
Finally, don’t overlook estate planning or 2026-specific shifts, such as possible tax reforms, rising interest rates, and persistent inflation. Use this year-end period to hit deadlines for contributions, conversions, or corporate filings. And when seeking guidance, choose advisors who understand locum complexities, offer transparent pricing, and specialize in tax-smart, physician-focused strategies.
Navigating 1099 Success as a Locum Tenens Clinician
April 24 | OnCall Solutions
Working as a 1099 locum tenens provider offers unmatched flexibility, but it also requires a proactive approach to managing benefits, taxes, and retirement. Without employer-sponsored perks, you’re responsible for selecting your own health insurance, setting aside tax payments, and building a retirement strategy through options like a solo 401(k) or SEP IRA. Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) can also offer both tax advantages and long-term savings potential.
Financial planning goes beyond income. Understanding common tax deductions such as mileage, CME expenses, and home office costs can significantly reduce your tax burden. Malpractice coverage is another key consideration. Knowing the difference between claims-made and occurrence policies helps ensure you’re protected during and after assignments. Keep careful records and consider working with a tax advisor, especially when juggling multiple state filings.
Lastly, 1099 work means you can shape your schedule and negotiate contract extras such as housing stipends, licensing reimbursements, and CME allowances. With smart planning, locum work can deliver not just professional freedom, but long-term financial security.
