By Dr. Fatimat Shotande, MD | FaShoMD
If you’re anything like me, you didn’t go into medicine to be boxed in. You chose this path because you wanted to make a difference-but somewhere along the way, the system started to feel like it was making the decisions for you.
That’s where locum tenens changed everything for me.
I created FaShoMD not just to share my journey, but to empower other physicians-especially those early in their careers or considering a reset-to realize there is another way to practice medicine, live well, and feel aligned with your values.
Whether you’re curious about how to start locums or wondering if the lifestyle is sustainable, I’m here to offer real-life transparency, practical advice, and a reminder: You get to design your career.
What Is a Locum Tenens Doctor?
At its core, a locum tenens doctor temporarily fills in for another physician-whether that’s due to vacations, staffing shortages, leaves of absence, or seasonal needs. These roles can range from a few days to several months and span the spectrum from rural clinics to urban hospitals.
But more than a job description, locums is a lifestyle-one that offers unmatched flexibility, diversity of experience, and control over your schedule.
Why I Chose Locums (and Why You Might Too) Here’s why it worked for me:
- Freedom to choose when and where I work
- Competitive pay (often more than permanent roles)
- Exposure to different clinical settings without long-term commitment
- Ability to travel, explore new cities, and work with underserved populations
- Greater work-life balance, even as a new attending
How to Start Locums: A Simple Roadmap
- Clarify Your Priorities
- Travel vs. local? Full-time vs. part-time? What settings do you enjoy?
- Choose Your Path: Agency vs. Independent
- Agencies handle logistics. Independents get more control.
- Get Your Paperwork in Order
- Updated CV, licenses, references, insurance.
- Understand Your Compensation
- Pay varies. Most roles are 1099-plan for taxes and benefits. Locums Isn’t Perfect-And That’s Okay
- May feel like an outsider
- Onboarding can be rushed
- No employer-sponsored benefits
- Travel can be tiring
But every experience teaches you something new. And the choices? They’re all yours. Myths About Locums-Debunked
- Only for older doctors -> False. I started right out of residency.
- You’ll fall behind clinically -> False. It sharpens your skills.
- It’s not stable’ -> False. You control the pace and schedule.
Is Locums Right for You?
- Do you crave autonomy over your schedule?
- Are you tired of institutional politics?
- Want to pay off debt and still travel or rest?
If yes, locums might be your path to a better practice. Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Choose Burnout
- You’re allowed to design a life and career that feels good.
- You don’t need permission to pivot.
- You can be clinically excellent AND lifestyle-conscious.
Let’s build careers that don’t burn us out-together.
Let’s Stay Connected
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