Locum tenens physicians: A flexible path to fight burnout

Lisa Grabl, group president of CHG Healthcare, says more physicians are turning to locum tenens work as a flexible alternative to full-time employment — particularly in response to burnout. “We have seen awareness and interest in locum tenens increase steadily over the last couple of years,” she says, noting that around 19% of physicians are now exploring it.

The appeal spans all career stages: “Younger physicians [are] trying to decide … what kind of commitment do they want to make,” Grabl explains, while mid-career doctors may seek supplemental income, and late-career physicians often use it to stay active without full-time demands. “Locum tenens is an alternative for them to continue to practice medicine … without that same kind of schedule or administrative responsibilities.”