For many physicians, locum tenens is no longer just a full-time career path—it’s an increasingly popular part-time option that allows providers to supplement their income, gain new experiences, and maintain flexibility in their professional lives. Whether they’re building a private practice, exploring different clinical settings, or easing into retirement, more physicians are leveraging locum tenens as a strategic way to balance work, lifestyle, and financial goals.
Here’s why part-time locum tenens work is on the rise and how physicians across different career stages are taking advantage of this flexible opportunity.
Why Physicians Are Choosing Part-Time Locum Tenens Work
Every physician’s situation is unique, but there are several common reasons why doctors choose to work locum tenens on a part-time basis:
1. Supplementing Income While Building a Private Practice
Many physicians who are starting their own practice take on part-time locum tenens work to provide financial stability while their business grows. Since building a patient panel and securing contracts takes time, locum shifts can help bridge the income gap without requiring a full-time commitment elsewhere.
Why it works:
- Provides steady income while waiting for practice revenue to grow
- Offers flexibility to schedule locum shifts around private practice hours
- Helps physicians build connections and referral sources in the medical community
2. Adding Variety to a Routine Clinical Role
Even physicians who love their permanent job sometimes seek opportunities to work in different settings, treat different patient populations, or perform a wider range of procedures. Locum tenens provides the perfect way to break up routine work and keep clinical skills sharp.
Why it works:
- Allows exposure to different facilities and patient demographics
- Keeps physicians engaged by offering new challenges
- Provides hands-on experience with different EMRs and workflows
3. Working Less While Earning More
Physicians in certain specialties can earn strong compensation rates through part-time locum tenens assignments, often working fewer hours while maintaining or even increasing their overall income. For example, some specialties—such as anesthesiology, emergency medicine, psychiatry, and hospitalist work—offer high daily or hourly locum rates, making it possible to work part-time while maintaining financial security.
Why it works:
- Enables a better work-life balance without sacrificing earnings
- Reduces burnout by avoiding long-term administrative burdens
- Provides more time for family, hobbies, or personal projects
4. Staying Clinically Active in Retirement
Not every physician is ready to completely retire when they reach traditional retirement age. Many choose to work part-time locum tenens assignments to stay engaged, maintain clinical skills, and keep up with patient care—without the demands of a full-time role.
Why it works:
- Allows physicians to continue practicing on their own terms
- Keeps professional skills sharp while reducing the stress of full-time work
- Offers travel opportunities for those looking to work in different locations
5. Exploring Different Career Paths Without Making a Full Commitment
Physicians considering a career change—whether shifting specialties, moving into telemedicine, or transitioning into administrative leadership—often use locum tenens to test the waters before making a full commitment.
For example, a hospital-based physician considering a switch to urgent care could take locum shifts in an urgent care setting to see if the work aligns with their long-term goals.
Why it works:
- Provides real-world experience in a new clinical environment
- Reduces the risk of making a career move that may not be the right fit
- Keeps income stable while physicians explore different roles
6. Paying Off Student Loans or Other Debt Faster
Physicians with medical school loans or other financial goals often take on extra locum shifts to accelerate debt repayment. With competitive locum rates in high-demand specialties, working even a few extra shifts per month can make a significant financial impact.
Why it works:
- Offers an efficient way to pay off student loans, mortgages, or other expenses
- Allows physicians to work only as much as needed to reach financial goals
- Prevents burnout by keeping schedules flexible
7. Taking Advantage of Travel Opportunities
Some physicians use locum tenens as a way to travel, choosing assignments in new cities or regions. This is especially popular among early-career physicians, those with remote-working spouses, or those who simply love exploring different parts of the country.
Why it works:
- Provides opportunities to work in different states or healthcare systems
- Offers housing and travel reimbursement for many assignments
- Can be a great fit for physicians who want short-term commitments
Why Part-Time Locum Tenens Can Be a Smart Move for Physicians
Unlike permanent positions, locum tenens offers physicians full control over when, where, and how much they work. For those looking to boost their income, gain experience, or create a more flexible career path, part-time locum work presents an ideal opportunity.
Key Benefits of Part-Time Locum Tenens Work:
- Full Schedule Flexibility – Pick up assignments only when it fits your life
- Higher Earning Potential – Work fewer hours for competitive pay rates
- No Long-Term Commitment – Try out different roles or facilities before committing
- Opportunity for Growth – Gain new clinical experiences in diverse settings
As more physicians seek greater control over their careers, part-time locum tenens is emerging as an attractive side income, career enhancer, and lifestyle choice. Whether supplementing an existing role or transitioning into a new phase of medicine, physicians of all backgrounds can benefit from this flexible model.
If you're interested in exploring part-time locum tenens opportunities, MDstaffers can help match you with assignments that fit your goals and schedule.
Final Thoughts
Locum tenens is no longer just a full-time career path—it’s an increasingly popular way for physicians to take control of their schedules, supplement their income, and explore new opportunities.
From building a practice to enjoying semi-retirement, physicians across different career stages are using part-time locum tenens work to enhance their careers without sacrificing flexibility or work-life balance.
If you’ve considered taking on extra shifts or exploring new practice settings, part-time locum tenens could be the perfect fit for your professional and financial goals.
