Curious about what it’s like to work as locum tenens anesthesiologist? We sat down with anesthesiology senior consultant, Niko Kalomeris, to get some tips and strategies for how to navigate the ever-changing landscape of locums anesthesiology.
How do I find the right anesthesiology locums job?
It depends on your priorities! Some anesthesiologists want to work as many hours as they can, and some just want to do what they love for 8-10 hours a day, instead of being woken up at night being on call. And then there are people who fall in the middle of that spectrum.
There are many different kinds of locums assignments, so it’s important to know where you are on that spectrum so we can find the right assignment for you.
That means being aware of, and honest about, what your priorities are. Maybe you want to retire early or you’re working to support a young family. In that case, your priorities might be working as many hours as possible, or finding a job that pays a higher rate. Or maybe you’re getting close to retirement, and you still want to work, but for fewer hours. In that case, you might be best suited for an assignment that is closer to a traditional 9-5 (or 7-3, in most anesthesiology positions).
Whatever your priorities are, your consultant can help you find a job that aligns with them.
What are some reasons for anesthesiologists to consider locums?
One of the current trends in anesthesiology is a shift to hospitals contracting large national anesthesia groups, instead employing anesthesiologists directly. For many physicians, that can make them feel more like a number than a valued part of a patient care team.
Physicians who have worked for those kinds of national groups tell us that they are undercompensated for extra on-call hours. But locums anesthesiologists can have rate structures that include overtime hours or call-back time.
Locums is a great way for anesthesiologists to gain more control over their lives and schedules, and to feel confident that they are being compensated fairly for the work they are doing. Anesthesiology locums physicians can take assignments where they know they’ll have certain types of cases, have clear call expectations, and scheduled breaks in between assignments—all things that can bring more balance to the way they get to practice medicine.
For those reasons, a lot of anesthesiologists that try locums end up never going back.
Will I be able to find enough work to make the shift to locums worth it?
There are a lot of jobs out there, and while a lot of physicians assume that locums jobs are limited to vacation coverage, many of them are for full-time, ongoing coverage. Vacation coverage is a very small part of what we do. Most of our anesthesiologists work consistently, providing ongoing coverage.
The other side of that coin is that locums moves incredibly fast. You might talk to a recruiter about a job, and then three days later, that job is filled. Jobs are constantly opening and closing, so it’s important to be prepared to move quickly.
What should I look for in a locums agency?
Anesthesia is in high demand right now, which is a good thing for anesthesiology physicians. But it can also be overwhelming, if you’re looking on your own. Having a consultant who takes the time to ask questions about what you’re looking for so they can find the job that aligns with your priorities is a huge benefit.
It’s also helpful to look for an agency with solid support teams to help guide you through the administrative logistics of locums, like getting credentialed or obtaining a license in a state you haven’t yet practiced in.
What skills or attributes make for a good locums anesthesiologist?
The most successful locums anesthesiologists tend to be generalists. The more things you know how to do, the more valuable you’ll be.
It also helps to be clear about your availability, and to be flexible whenever possible. Most jobs come down to your availability and whether it meets a hospital’s need. You could be the perfect fit for the job, but if only two of your available weeks line up with the hospital’s six-week need, they’re going to pick someone else. So it’s important to figure out when and how much you are available to work. The more flexible you are, the more likely we are to find the right assignment for you.
With locum tenens, anesthesiologists can find more freedom and flexibility. But learning how to navigate the fast-paced, ever-changing landscape of locums anesthesiology can be overwhelming.
That’s why it’s so important to have a locums agency you can trust. At Hayes Locums, we care more about building relationships than building our bottom line. Our specialty-specific consultants are laser-focused on finding the best possible match for their providers. Our commitment to integrity means you can trust us to provide active and transparent communication throughout every step of the process. And our dedication to service means that you can focus on what matters most––providing excellent care––while we take care of the logistics.
