A recent survey shows 82 percent of hospitalists who work as locum tenens are also full-time, salaried employees, according to the 2011 Hospitalist Locum Tenens Survey.
For its survey, Locum Leaders analyzed 750 responses from hospitalists. Their analysis also showed 10 percent of hospitalists have worked as locum tenens within the past year. Locum Leaders CMO Robert Harrington, MD, attributes this trend to hospitalist programs' shift patterns.
"Since most hospitalist programs rely on a 7-on, 7-off schedule, you end up with a large population of doctors who have a lot of time-off. They want to use that time productively and often seek locum tenens work," Dr. Harrington said.
Other key findings from the Locum Leaders survey include the following:
• 11 percent of hospitalist locum tenens physicians work exclusively as locum tenens — meaning they are self-employed.
• Compensation is the primary motivator for hospitalists who work as locum tenens, but other considerations, including flexibility and travel opportunities, are important influencers.
• Compensation, location and schedule/type of shift are the top three factors hospitalists consider when choosing a locum tenens assignment.
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For its survey, Locum Leaders analyzed 750 responses from hospitalists. Their analysis also showed 10 percent of hospitalists have worked as locum tenens within the past year. Locum Leaders CMO Robert Harrington, MD, attributes this trend to hospitalist programs' shift patterns.
"Since most hospitalist programs rely on a 7-on, 7-off schedule, you end up with a large population of doctors who have a lot of time-off. They want to use that time productively and often seek locum tenens work," Dr. Harrington said.
Other key findings from the Locum Leaders survey include the following:
• 11 percent of hospitalist locum tenens physicians work exclusively as locum tenens — meaning they are self-employed.
• Compensation is the primary motivator for hospitalists who work as locum tenens, but other considerations, including flexibility and travel opportunities, are important influencers.
• Compensation, location and schedule/type of shift are the top three factors hospitalists consider when choosing a locum tenens assignment.
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