What Is Locum Tenens — And Why Every Physician Should Know About It

Ludwig Koeneke
Jun 4
2 min read

Most of us train and work in large, well-resourced cities — New York, Miami, Los Angeles, San Francisco. We get used to the hustle, the systems, the status quo. But what about the towns in between? The rural areas and underserved communities that are often left behind?

That’s where locum tenens comes in — and why every clinician should at least know what it is.

So, what is locum tenens?

In simple terms:Locum tenens means temporary medical work — short- or long-term clinical assignments that fill gaps in coverage.

Hospitals, urgent cares, and clinics across the country rely on locum providers to maintain patient care when their full-time staff are on leave, when hiring is delayed, or when there’s a shortage.

And guess what? These facilities often pay really well.

Why Small Towns = Big Opportunity

While big cities tend to have a surplus of clinicians, rural and mid-sized towns are often in desperate need of coverage.That’s why locum jobs in these areas can pay as much as double the rate of a full-time city job — plus travel, lodging, and licensing are usually covered.

You get paid more, travel for free, and make a huge impact in places that truly need your skills.

It’s Not Just About the Money — But That’s a Nice Bonus

Locum work isn’t just well-paid — it’s 1099, meaning:

You’re an independent contractor
You have more tax deductions
You have more control over your schedule
You can build your own retirement accounts like a Solo 401(k) or SEP IRA

It’s a win-win: more income, more flexibility, and less burnout.

There’s Plenty of Work — You Don’t Have to Be Afraid

Some physicians hesitate to try locums because it feels uncertain or unstable.The truth? There is no shortage of locum opportunities.If anything, the system is overwhelmed with openings — and not enough clinicians to fill them.

Whether you want to take 1–2 shifts a month or go all-in with full-time locums, there’s a way to make it work for you.

Final Thought: If You’ve Never Considered Locums, Maybe Now’s the Time

Locum tenens work allows you to:

Earn more
Travel smarter
Serve communities in need
Take back control of your career

And if the logistics feel overwhelming? That’s where we come in.At Quantum Care Collective, we help clinicians make the leap into locums — stress-free. From job matching and rate negotiation to credentialing and travel, we’re your personal assistant every step of the way.