Are you an ObGyn physician craving a better work-life balance without sacrificing your passion for patient care? Locum tenens might be the perfect fit.
We sat down with Justin Hiemer, a senior consultant on our Obstetrics and Gynecology team at Hayes Locums, to get the inside scoop on what the locum tenens experience is really like for ObGyns. Let’s dive into some of the most burning questions physicians have about taking the locums leap.
Is locum ObGyn locums right for me?
“For many ObGyns, working as a locum tenens physician is all about finding a better work-life balance,” Justin explains. Traditionally, OBs are always on call, often working over 80 hours a week. “Even when they’re not officially on duty, patients often prefer their primary doctor to deliver their baby. This means doctors can frequently be called in, even when they’re not scheduled to work.”
Locum tenens offers a refreshing alternative. “We specialize in helping physicians who want to cut back on their hours without losing their skills or completely stepping away,” Justin says. The ideal candidate? Someone who can commit to at least two weeks at a time in a new location.
Does the short-term nature of ObGyn locums make it hard to provide continuity of care for patients during pregnancy?
Good news—locum tenens work is more compatible with prenatal care than you might think!
“If you’re working two weeks on and two weeks off, your patients can schedule their appointments to coincide with those two-week windows,” Justin points out. This means patients can still see the same doctor throughout their pregnancy, providing that crucial continuity of care.
What are the biggest challenges of ObGyn locum tenens jobs?
One of the biggest challenges? It might be leaving your comfort zone. But as Justin notes, “ObGyn positions tend to be very similar, regardless of whether they’re full-time or locum tenens. ObGyns use every tool in their clinical toolbox, which makes it easy for them to take those skills from their current position and translate them to locum tenens.”
Sometimes, especially in rural environments, you might need to wear multiple hats due to less specialization and support. But remember, “a low-risk pregnancy is the same in Seattle as it is in rural Nebraska.”
Are most ObGyn locum tenens jobs in rural environments?
While there are opportunities in urban areas, the most pressing need for ObGyn locums is in rural communities. “More and more hospitals are having to close their labor and delivery units in rural communities because they can’t get coverage,” Justin explains. “And when those hospitals close, patients aren’t able to get care within their own communities. Instead, they have to travel, in some cases hundreds of miles, just to access ultrasound services or heartbeat checks.”
This is where locum tenens physicians become true healthcare heroes. “If you live in a small town that doesn’t have an ObGyn, the presence of locum tenens can make the difference between whether you’re able to get care near home, or whether you have to drive two hours to get to the next available labor and delivery unit.”
How do I prepare for ObGyn locum tenens jobs?
Before you jump in, Justin recommends getting on the phone with a physician at the hospital where you’ll be working. “Talking to a physician who is actually doing the job you are considering allows you the opportunity to ask questions and determine what kind of backup and support you’ll have,” he advises.
This conversation can ease your concerns and help you establish a bond with the hospital—which often results in fewer cancellations on both sides.
What skills make for a good ObGyn locums?
When it comes to the skills that make a great ObGyn locum, it’s all about that personal touch. “Having a good bedside manner is hugely important,” Justin emphasizes. “Patients go to the doctor so many times in that 9-month time span, so it’s really important that you have a warm personality.”
Fortunately, ObGyns tend to be in the field for the right reasons. As Justin puts it, “At Hayes Locums, the ObGyns we work with are very honest, genuine and kind people, who are easy to talk to. That’s part of the reason those of us who chose this specialty stick with it.”
Ready to take the locums leap?
Locum tenens opportunities can be both challenging and incredibly rewarding for ObGyns, especially when you’re able to provide care that a patient would otherwise have to travel hours to access. It’s a chance to make a real difference in communities that desperately need your skills and expertise.
