Early in a medical career, most physicians are focused on building one thing: stability. Stable income. Stable schedules. A clear path forward.
So it’s understandable that locum tenens is often seen as something to “do later” after training is complete, experience is built, or burnout sets in. But the data tells a different story. Research shows that 56% of locum physicians begin locum tenens within their first 10 years of practice, and nearly one-third (32%) start within their first five years. Increasingly, early-career physicians are considering locums not as a last resort but as a strategic career decision.
The real question isn’t whether early career locums can work. It’s when and for who it makes sense.
Why Early Career Physicians Are Considering Locums
Early-career doesn’t always feel flexible. Many physicians, CRNAs, and APPs report feeling overwhelmed by productivity pressure, rigid schedules, and limited autonomy. For some, locum tenens optionality, something traditional roles can’t always provide early on.
Common reasons early-career physicians explore locums include:
- Wanting broader clinical exposure
- Paying down student loans aggressively
- Seeking more control over their schedule and location
- Feeling drawn to underserved care but unsure how to start
For physicians who are still defining what they want their careers to look like, locums can serve as a learning phase.
When Locum Tenens Can Be a Good Fit Early On
Locum tenens tends to work best early in a career when it’s approached with intentionality. It can be a strong option if you:
- Feel confident and well supported post-training
- Are comfortable adapting to new environments
- Want to build experience across different systems
- Value autonomy and flexibility
Early-career locums often gain exposure to various cases, patient populations, and workflows they may not see for years in a single permanent role. That experience can build confidence quickly and help clarify long-term goals. For physicians with a heart for rural healthcare, locums can also provide a meaningful way to serve communities while continuing to grow professionally.
When Locums Might Not Be the Right Choice (YET)
Locum tenens isn’t the right fit for everyone, and that’s important to acknowledge. It may not be ideal early in your career if you still need close mentorship, need long-term predictability right now, or you’re uncomfortable practicing independently. There’s no downside to deciding that locums isn’t the right move at this stage. Career paths aren’t linear, and timing matters.
In many cases, physicians benefit from gaining a few years of experience in a permanent role before transitioning into locums with more confidence.
Using Locums Strategically
What we’re seeing more often is not an either/or decision but a hybrid approach to locums. Early-career physicians can:
- Take locum assignments between permanent roles
- Use locums to explore rural practice before committing
- Choose shorter assignments to test cultural fit and pace
When supported by a staffing agency partner who understands your early career needs, locum tenens becomes less about filling gaps and more about your growth.
Locum tenens isn’t just for seasoned physicians or those looking to slow down. For many early-career physicians, CRNAs, and APPs, it can be a thoughtful way to build experience, gain autonomy, and create financial stability without closing doors.
The key is clarity
- Go into locums knowing what you want to gain
- Understand what you need right now
- Partner with a team that prioritizes support, not pressure
Early in your career, the right decisions aren’t always the most traditional ones, but they should always be the most intentional.