Locum Tenens Physician Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the ever-changing landscape of healthcare, the demand for locum tenens physicians is increasingly paramount.

As healthcare institutions strive to ensure their patient’s needs are met, the call for skilled and adaptable physicians who can step in and seamlessly integrate into a new environment echoes louder.

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

Whether you are:

• A healthcare professional considering the locum tenens pathway,
• A healthcare recruiter in search of the ideal candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of locum tenens practice,

You’ve found the right resource.

Today, we introduce a customizable locum tenens physician job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Locum Tenens Physician Duties and Responsibilities

Locum Tenens Physicians fill in for regular doctors when they are unavailable due to vacations, illnesses, or continuing education.

Their responsibilities are essentially the same as the regular, full-time physicians, but their temporary nature often requires them to adapt quickly to new environments and procedures.

The duties and responsibilities of a Locum Tenens Physician include:

• Assess patients’ health conditions and develop suitable treatment plans
• Prescribe medication and treatment to patients
• Perform procedures and examinations, such as physical exams, minor surgical interventions, and interpreting tests
• Communicate effectively with patients to explain their health conditions and treatments
• Maintain thorough and detailed patient records
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to provide comprehensive patient care
• Adhere to the ethical and legal standards of the medical profession
• Quickly familiarize themselves with new patients, medical staff, and procedures at each new location
• Ensure that patient care quality standards are met and kept consistent with the permanent physicians’ procedures

 

Locum Tenens Physician Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are in search of a dedicated and qualified Locum Tenens Physician to provide temporary medical services to our patients.

The responsibilities of the Locum Tenens Physician include assessing patient health, developing and implementing health care plans, and maintaining medical records.

Our ideal candidate is an experienced professional with knowledge of medical best practices and a passion for patient care.

You should be able to provide top quality healthcare service and should have a good understanding of patient needs.

 

Responsibilities

• Evaluate patients and provide appropriate medical treatment for various illnesses and injuries.
• Prescribe, administer and dispense medication in accordance with state and federal statutes.
• Ensuring that patient care and is optimal and is in adherence to the clinical guidelines and quality standards.
• Document all patient evaluations, treatments, medications, and transactions according to company policies and procedures.
• Supervise and train mid-level providers and other staff to ensure that they deliver high-quality patient care.
• Interact with patients’ families regarding patient health care.

 

Qualifications

• Medical degree from a recognized medical school
• Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Family Practice, Primary Care or Emergency Medicine or other relevant certification
• Active medical license and DEA.
• Minimum 3-5 years of clinical practice in an emergency medicine, urgent care, or ambulatory care setting.
• Must have a clean malpractice history.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, patient-centered environment.
• Strong interpersonal communication skills, both verbal and written.

 

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Health, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Retirement plan
• Continuing medical education (CME) support
• Malpractice coverage
• Flexible work schedule

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Locum Tenens Physician
• Work Environment: Hospital, Clinic or medical office
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Medical Director or Hospital Administrator
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: Varies depending on the location, specialty, and the level of experience
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Temporary or Contract basis
• 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, a copy of your current medical license and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Locum Tenens Physician Do?

A Locum Tenens Physician is a medical professional who temporarily fulfills the duties of a regular physician when they are absent or when a hospital or practice is short-staffed.

These professionals can work in all medical specialties, filling in for physicians on leave, or helping to manage an increased patient load.

They examine and treat patients, order and interpret diagnostic tests, prescribe medications and therapies, and perform procedures as necessary.

They may also consult with other healthcare professionals and make referrals when necessary.

A Locum Tenens Physician maintains patient confidentiality and accurate patient documentation.

They must be flexible and adaptable as they often work in various healthcare settings, from large hospitals to small private practices, and they need to quickly assimilate into different teams and systems.

They also communicate effectively with patients, explaining diagnoses and treatment plans, answering questions, and addressing concerns.

Despite their temporary status, they are expected to provide the same level of care and expertise as a permanent physician.

Moreover, these professionals often help healthcare facilities maintain their standard of care during transition periods, thereby ensuring that patients receive continuous and high-quality healthcare services.

 

Locum Tenens Physician Qualifications and Skills

A Locum Tenens Physician is a temporary physician who fills in for another physician for a certain period.

Here are the skills and qualifications required:

• Completion of a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) degree.
• Must have completed a residency in a specialty area.
• Must be licensed to practice medicine in the state where the healthcare facility is located.
• Board certification or eligibility in the specialty area is usually required.
• Strong diagnostic skills to accurately diagnose and treat patient health issues.
• Excellent communication skills to clearly convey medical information to patients and their families, as well as discuss treatment plans with other healthcare professionals.
• Ability to adapt quickly to new environments and working with different teams at each new assignment.
• Strong interpersonal skills to build relationships with patients and provide compassionate care.
• Good organizational skills to manage patient care effectively and efficiently.
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) certification may be required.

 

Locum Tenens Physician Experience Requirements

Locum Tenens Physicians typically need to have completed medical school and residency program in their chosen specialty.

This educational experience generally equates to seven to ten years of higher education, depending on the specialty.

Entry-level locum tenens physicians may have just completed their residency or fellowship and be looking for additional experience before settling into a permanent position.

This might include 1 to 2 years of experience in practicing medicine, often through internships, rotations, or part-time roles at hospitals or private practices.

Those with 3 to 5 years of post-residency experience often have developed their medical skills and knowledge in a specific specialty, such as family medicine, internal medicine, or emergency medicine.

They may have also gained experience in a variety of medical settings, such as hospitals, clinics, or private practices.

Locum tenens physicians with more than 5 years of experience are considered experienced and may have taken on leadership roles or additional responsibilities in their previous positions.

They are often board-certified in their specialty, demonstrating a high level of expertise and commitment to their field.

Regardless of years of experience, all locum tenens physicians must possess a valid medical license in the state where they plan to practice.

Additionally, they must meet the credentialing requirements of the medical facilities where they will be working.

 

Locum Tenens Physician Education and Training Requirements

To become a Locum Tenens Physician, one must first obtain a Bachelor’s degree, typically in a science-related field.

This is followed by four years of medical school to earn a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree.

Following medical school, one must complete a residency program in their chosen specialty, which can last anywhere from three to seven years.

Some physicians may also choose to complete a fellowship for additional specialized training.

In order to practice medicine, all physicians must be licensed by the state in which they work.

This requires passing the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) or the Comprehensive Osteopathic Medical Licensing Examination (COMLEX).

Board certification in a specialty is not required, but is highly desirable as it demonstrates a physician’s expertise in a specific area of medicine.

This requires passing an exam administered by a specialty board.

Continuing medical education (CME) is also necessary to maintain licensure and board certification.

This ensures that physicians stay updated on the latest developments in their field.

Specific to being a Locum Tenens Physician, one must also have the flexibility and adaptability to work in different healthcare settings and locations, and the ability to quickly learn and adapt to new systems and practices.

 

Locum Tenens Physician Salary Expectations

A Locum Tenens Physician typically earns an average salary of $214,000 (USD) per year.

However, this compensation can greatly vary depending on the medical specialty, geographical location, and the amount of hours worked.

Additionally, other factors such as years of experience and additional skills may also impact salary expectations.

 

Locum Tenens Physician Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a Locum Tenens Physician require?

Locum Tenens Physicians are required to have a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree.

This is followed by a residency program in a specialized field.

They must be board certified or eligible and have a valid license to practice medicine in the state where they will be working.

They should also have clean malpractice and criminal records.

 

What are the daily duties of a Locum Tenens Physician?

The daily duties of a Locum Tenens Physician depend on the specific role they’re filling, but general responsibilities often include providing patient care, diagnosing and treating illnesses, conducting routine check-ups, ordering and interpreting diagnostic tests, and maintaining patient records.

They may also consult with other healthcare professionals and coordinate patient care.

 

What qualities make a good Locum Tenens Physician?

A good Locum Tenens Physician is adaptable, as they often work in various healthcare settings and must quickly acclimate to new teams and procedures.

They should have excellent communication skills to effectively interact with patients and other healthcare professionals.

A strong commitment to patient care and the ability to work independently are also crucial qualities.

 

What are the benefits of hiring a Locum Tenens Physician?

Hiring a Locum Tenens Physician can provide continuity of care when permanent staff members are unavailable due to vacations, illnesses, or vacancies.

They bring a fresh perspective and may share new techniques and practices learned from other healthcare settings.

They also reduce the workload of permanent staff, helping to prevent burnout.

 

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

Look for strong clinical experience, board certification or eligibility, and a current, unrestricted medical license in the relevant state.

Any extra certifications, such as Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) or Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), are also beneficial.

A good Locum Tenens Physician resume should demonstrate adaptability, a history of quality patient care, and solid references.

 

Conclusion

There you have it.

Today, we’ve provided a glimpse into what it means to be a locum tenens physician.

And guess what?

It’s not just about diagnosing patients.

It’s about shaping the future of healthcare, one patient at a time.

Armed with our locum tenens physician job description template and real-world examples, you’re prepared to make your next career move.

But why stop there?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step to creating precise job listings or refining your resume to excellence.

Remember:

Every patient you treat is a part of the broader healthcare landscape.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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