Locum Tenens Emergency Physician Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the fast-paced world of healthcare, the demand for locum tenens emergency physicians is continuously on the rise.

The healthcare field is in constant flux, and with each change, the call for skilled professionals who can step in, adapt, and provide crucial care in emergency situations grows louder.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a locum tenens emergency physician?

Whether you are:

• A healthcare professional considering a locum tenens role,
• A hospital administrator searching for the perfect temporary physician,
• Or simply curious about the realities of emergency medicine,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a comprehensive locum tenens emergency physician job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or healthcare career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Locum Tenens Emergency Physician Duties and Responsibilities

Locum Tenens Emergency Physicians are temporary doctors who fill in for regular physicians during their absence, specializing in emergency medicine.

They are responsible for the immediate management of emergencies and critically ill or injured patients.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Evaluating and stabilizing patients with critical conditions
• Performing medical procedures as necessary for patient’s health and wellness
• Diagnosing and managing a variety of unforeseen illnesses and injuries
• Coordinating patient care with nurses and other medical staff
• Maintaining patient records and documenting services in patient medical records
• Providing advice on post-hospital care, including prescriptions and follow-up appointments
• Communicating effectively with patients, their families, and medical staff
• Adhering to healthcare laws, regulations, and hospital standards
• Participating in continuous education and training to stay updated on medical knowledge and techniques

 

Locum Tenens Emergency Physician Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a dedicated and experienced Locum Tenens Emergency Physician to provide high-quality emergency medical care in our hospital.

In this role, you will diagnose and stabilize patients, make referrals to appropriate specialists and coordinate patient care with the rest of the medical team.

The successful candidate will be a skilled physician with experience in an emergency room setting.

They will have excellent decision-making skills, the ability to work under pressure, and a commitment to patient care.

 

Responsibilities

• Evaluate and stabilize patients in the emergency room
• Diagnose and treat a variety of conditions, including acute and chronic illnesses
• Prescribe necessary treatments or medication
• Make referrals to appropriate specialists
• Document patient histories and treatment plans
• Communicate effectively with patients, their families, and the medical team
• Ensure compliance with all healthcare regulations and safety standards
• Stay up-to-date with advancements in emergency medicine

 

Qualifications

• Valid medical license
• Board certified in Emergency Medicine
• Proven experience as an Emergency Physician
• Strong understanding of emergency medical care principles and procedures
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills
• Strong communication and patient management skills
• Ability to work effectively under pressure
• Compassionate and understanding

 

Benefits

• Competitive compensation
• Malpractice coverage
• Travel and housing expenses covered
• Flexible schedule
• Opportunity to gain experience in a variety of settings
• Continued medical education and development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Locum Tenens Emergency Physician
• Work Environment: Hospital setting. Must be able to work in high stress, fast-paced situations. On-call and shift work may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Medical Director of Emergency Services.
• Salary: Compensation is usually per diem or hourly, based on experience and qualifications.
• Location: Varies by assignment
• Employment Type: Contractual
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Locum Tenens Emergency Physician Do?

A Locum Tenens Emergency Physician is a medical professional who temporarily fills in for a full-time emergency physician who is absent for any reason, or when a hospital or healthcare facility is short-staffed.

They provide critical care to patients who come into the emergency department, typically those with life-threatening or serious injuries and illnesses.

Locum Tenens Emergency Physicians diagnose and treat a wide variety of ailments, and rapidly make critical decisions to achieve the best outcomes for their patients.

They manage conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, poisonings, sudden illnesses, and injuries from accidents or trauma.

They work closely with other healthcare professionals like nurses, paramedics, and other doctors to deliver immediate care.

They also coordinate with specialists when necessary to ensure the patient receives the right treatment.

Despite the temporary nature of their role, Locum Tenens Emergency Physicians are fully responsible for providing high-quality medical care and ensuring patient satisfaction.

They must also complete relevant paperwork and documentation regarding their patients’ health status and the care they provide.

They are often required to work irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, to provide 24-hour care in the emergency department.

 

Locum Tenens Emergency Physician Qualifications and Skills

Locum Tenens Emergency Physicians are vital to the healthcare system, and they should have the following skills and qualifications:

• Exceptional medical knowledge, including the ability to diagnose and treat a broad range of health conditions and illnesses quickly and efficiently.
• Strong decision-making skills, often required to make quick, critical decisions about patient care under high pressure circumstances.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively interact with patients, their families, and medical team members. They must be able to explain complex medical issues in simple terms to patients.
• Exceptional physical stamina and resilience, as emergency physicians often work long and irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Excellent problem-solving skills to identify, evaluate, and implement solutions to complex health problems in a short time.
• Strong teamworking skills to work closely with a diverse team of healthcare professionals, including nurses, paramedics, and other physicians.
• Strong ethical standards and a commitment to provide compassionate, efficient, and effective care for all patients.
• Completion of a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) degree, a residency in emergency medicine, and board certification in emergency medicine. They must also hold a current state medical license and have up-to-date CPR and ACLS certification.

 

Locum Tenens Emergency Physician Experience Requirements

Locum Tenens Emergency Physicians typically need an extensive amount of experience due to the high-pressure, fast-paced nature of emergency medicine.

Firstly, they must have completed medical school, a residency program in emergency medicine, and typically a one to two years fellowship in a subspecialty such as pediatric emergency medicine or disaster medicine.

This amounts to a combined seven to ten years of medical training.

Apart from the medical training, they should have several years of experience working as an Emergency Physician.

Locum Tenens positions, in particular, require physicians who are adept at quickly adapting to new environments and teams, hence experience in various healthcare settings can be beneficial.

Locum Tenens Emergency Physicians with more than 5 years of experience in the field are usually considered highly experienced.

Some facilities, particularly in high-need or specialized areas, may require their locum tenens physicians to have advanced experience or certification in a particular subspecialty.

In addition, some locum tenens positions may require previous experience in a leadership role, such as leading a team of physicians or managing a department, especially for those roles where they may have to oversee other healthcare professionals.

 

Locum Tenens Emergency Physician Education and Training Requirements

A Locum Tenens Emergency Physician is required to complete a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) degree program from an accredited institution.

This is followed by a residency program in Emergency Medicine, which generally lasts three to four years.

The individual must pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX) to be licensed to practice medicine.

To specialize in Emergency Medicine, the physician must also become board-certified by passing the examination administered by the American Board of Emergency Medicine (ABEM) or the American Osteopathic Board of Emergency Medicine (AOBEM).

Locum Tenens physicians are also required to have valid licenses in the states where they wish to work, as regulations can vary by state.

Although not mandatory, many physicians seek out additional training and certifications in areas like Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS), Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) to boost their employability and skills.

Continuing Medical Education (CME) is also crucial for Locum Tenens Emergency Physicians as it keeps them updated with the latest developments in the medical field.

 

Locum Tenens Emergency Physician Salary Expectations

A Locum Tenens Emergency Physician earns an average salary of approximately $320,000 (USD) per year.

However, the actual earnings may fluctuate depending on factors such as years of experience, geographical location, and the specific health care facility they are employed by.

Locum Tenens physicians may also receive additional benefits such as housing, travel, and malpractice coverage.

 

Locum Tenens Emergency Physician Job Description FAQs

What is the role of a Locum Tenens Emergency Physician?

A Locum Tenens Emergency Physician is a temporary physician who steps in to work in the emergency department of a hospital or medical center.

Their role is to assess, stabilize, diagnose, and treat a wide variety of illnesses and injuries that require immediate medical attention, just like a permanent emergency room physician.

 

What qualifications should a Locum Tenens Emergency Physician have?

To be a Locum Tenens Emergency Physician, one must be a board-certified or board-eligible physician with a degree from an accredited medical school.

They must also have a valid state medical license, DEA, and ACLS certification.

Additionally, experience in an emergency room setting is typically required.

 

What qualities make a good Locum Tenens Emergency Physician?

A good Locum Tenens Emergency Physician should have excellent diagnostic skills, the ability to work under pressure, and sound decision-making abilities.

They should also have strong communication skills to interact with patients, nurses, and other medical staff effectively.

Flexibility and adaptability are crucial as they may be working in different hospitals with different systems and processes.

 

What should you look for in a Locum Tenens Emergency Physician’s resume?

When hiring a Locum Tenens Emergency Physician, look for board certification or eligibility, valid state medical license, DEA, and ACLS certification.

Check their work history for relevant experience in the emergency department.

Additional training or certification in areas such as trauma care could be beneficial.

References from previous locum tenens assignments can also provide useful insights.

 

Why would a hospital need a Locum Tenens Emergency Physician?

A hospital might need a Locum Tenens Emergency Physician for several reasons.

These could include filling in for a permanent physician who is on vacation, sick leave, or maternity leave.

They could also be needed to cope with an unexpected increase in patient volume or while the hospital is recruiting a permanent physician.

In some cases, they can also provide specialized skills that the hospital’s permanent staff may lack.

 

Conclusion

There you have it.

Today, we’ve unlocked the real essence of being a Locum Tenens Emergency Physician.

Surprise, surprise!

It’s not just about responding to medical emergencies.

It’s about safeguarding lives, one patient at a time.

Armed with our ready-to-use Locum Tenens Emergency Physician job description template and authentic examples, you’re primed to take the next step.

But why stop there?

Go further with our job description generator. It’s your key to creating ultra-specific listings or sharpening your resume to perfection.

Always remember:

Each patient you assist is a significant part of the bigger picture.

Let’s save lives. Together.

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