Making the decision to move from a full-time practice or position to becoming a physician locum tenens, or a travel physician, can be a challenging one for many doctors.
There is a range of different reasons why this may be a desired job and often people choose this to learn more, see different practices and medical facilities, to be able to specialize. It also provides opportunities to work with some of the leading doctors in the country. Other physicians may want only to work part-time or few months of the years, or perhaps they want to combine their profession with travel to specific locations they have always wanted to see.
Whatever the reasons may be, and there are often several for each doctor, becoming a physician locum tenens is easier if the doctor already has some qualities and characteristics. These will assist in both matching with what the facilities are looking for as well as in working with new patients.
Ability to Adapt
One of the most important aspects of being a physician locum tenens is to be able to adapt quickly to different professional environments. With a top agency placement, the need to adapt will be minimal as they will correctly match your professional skills and specializations with what the facility is looking for.
There is still going to be some adaptation needed as to general practices, perhaps cultural issues, and even in being in another part of the country.
Exceptional Ethical and Professional Standards
As a physician locum tenens being professional, ethical, and effective will be critical. A doctor with these high standards will be able to work in any environment with very few challenges.
The best agencies very carefully screen physicians for these factors before placement. This ensures a good experience for the facility and for you as the professional as well.
Interest in Networking and Learning
One of the biggest motivators for the majority of people in working as a physician locum tenens is the ability to get to know new techniques, practices and new skill sets.
Through working in different facilities and with different physicians and hospital staff around the country it is possible to gain a significant level of professional growth and development.
Within all of these qualities is the understanding that a professional working as a physician locum tenens needs to have good intrapersonal communication skills. Being able to work with diverse patient groups, with professionals, and with medical staff is a skill set all to itself.
