4 Advantages of Working as a Locum Doctor Revealed Medical Recruitment Company

Within the last few years, the demand for qualified short-term medical professionals has increased. A Staff Cares survey of temporary physician staffing trends showed 94% of medical facilities reported hiring locum doctors in 2016. This was an increase of 19% from 2011. Previously, only 75% of medical facilities reported hiring short-term medical staff.

The increasing demand for locum doctors presents a great opportunity for qualified professionals. It is a chance to explore the available options. Freelance medical workers can weigh up whether becoming a locum rather than a permanent employee could benefit their current lifestyle.

The demand for short-term medical professionals has resulted in a wide range of locum doctor jobs. Primary Care Physicians, Behavioural Health Professionals, and Emergency Medicine Doctors are amongst the top sought-after health care professionals.

What Is a Locum Doctor?

A locum or locum doctor is a qualified medical professional who works as a freelancer. This person temporarily fills the duties and practices of an equally qualified person. These freelance positions are often contracted through a medical agency. Locum doctors are governed and regulated to provide the same high-quality standards and practices as permanently employed medical professionals.

The Benefits of Becoming a Locum Doctor

There many advantages to becoming a locum doctor. Here?s a list of the top 4 benefits of pursuing this approach to the medical profession.

1) Ability to Explore Your Options

Many health professionals are unsure of what specialty they would like to pursue. This is especially true for people at the start of their careers. Becoming a locum allows you to explore the available options before committing to a particular field.

The transition from locum to permanent is also an option. This is desirable for those who are looking to experience the locality of a medical centre or hospital before making a permanent move.

As a locum, you have a range of opportunities. You can work in a variety of medical facilities, including:
? Large or small hospitals
? Clinics
? Private practices
? Government facilities

The freelance position lets you explore your options to find the right fit for you.

2) Flexible Working Schedule

The most apparent advantage for a locum doctor is a flexible working schedule. This position lets you set when and where you work. With a flexible schedule, you can select the days and shifts that best suit your current lifestyle.

3) Opportunities to Learn and Develop New Skills

Freelancing as a locum can be an opportunity to increase your professional skills. You can experience and work with a wide range of colleagues and patients.

Professional development can lead to enhancing and expanding your skills in one field of interest. This also can lead to more job opportunities. For example, if you freelance in radiology or behavioural health, you could make contacts, develop your skills, and find more opportunities in the same field in the future.

Alternatively, you can use the opportunity to learn new skills over a variety of medical fields. This lets you test out the correct career path for you.

4) Improved Pay Over Salaried Positions

Many full-time health care workers use locum work to supplement their income. The flexibility allows them to take on extra jobs outside their regular work hours.

A recent study by NomadHealth in 2019 showed that the average locum doctor takes home 30% more than those on a permanently fixed salary. The largest salary increase is for doctors in Neurosurgery, Thoracic and Orthopaedic surgery. These fields show an increase of up to 40% compared to permanent positions.

It Pays to Go Locum!

One of the drawbacks of locum positions is that you will have to pay your own taxes as a self-employed freelancer. However, as long as you file quarterly taxes, there should be no financial problems. Many health professionals who work locum have no issues with the improved pay. In fact, it pays to go locum!