Physicians across the United States have felt increasingly burnt out in recent years and this is causing serious retention challenges for healthcare facilities. According to a 2024 McKinsey & Company report, around 35% of surveyed doctors said they’re likely to leave their current jobs in the next five years—and when asked about what’s driving them to consider this decision, factors such as the job’s demanding nature, emotional burden, and physical strain top the list. As the country continues to grapple with a physician shortage that’s projected to reach 187,130 doctors by 2037, the time is now for facilities to begin considering incorporating modern staffing alternatives like locum tenens to ensure quality patient care. If you’re currently experiencing or anticipating a shortage, here’s why hiring a locum tenens physician is a smart solution to address your staffing needs.
The Locum Tenens Physician: A Solution to Staffing Challenges
Healthcare staffing shortages are getting worse, and for many facilities, relying solely on in-house permanent staffing is no longer cutting it. Here’s more information on what a locum doctor is and how they can help supplement your workforce, providing flexibility and expertise when you need it most.
What is a locum doctor?
A locum doctor, also known as a locum tenens physician or locum physician, is a licensed healthcare professional who takes short- or long-term temporary assignments at short-staffed medical facilities.
The phrase “locum tenens” is Latin for “to hold the place,” meaning a locum medical doctor takes on the roles of permanent doctors who have left their job, are on vacation or leave, or are otherwise unable to fulfill their job responsibilities.
Why should you take on a locum tenens physician?
Hiring a locum doctor offers numerous advantages for healthcare facilities facing staffing challenges. Here are some key reasons to consider this staffing solution:
- Immediate relief: A locum physician can quickly fill gaps in your schedule, providing instant support to permanent staff.
- Flexibility: Adding a locum medical doctor to your workforce allows you to adjust staffing levels to meet fluctuating patient demands or cover unexpected absences.
- Reduced burnout: By alleviating the workload of permanent staff, a locum doctor can help decrease burnout and improve job satisfaction.
- Fresh perspectives: Locum doctors bring diverse experiences from various assignments, potentially introducing innovative practices to your facility.
- Cost-effective: A locum tenens physician helps you maintain revenue streams by ensuring continuous patient care without the long-term financial commitment of a permanent hire.
- Specialized expertise: Locum physicians act as specialists for short-term needs without the expense of a full-time hire.
- Continuity of care: Locum medical doctors ensure patients receive timely care, reducing wait times and improving overall patient satisfaction.
By integrating locum tenens physicians into your staffing strategy, you can enhance your facility’s ability to provide consistent, high-quality patient care while maintaining the flexibility to adapt to the dynamic healthcare environment.
Physician Shortage Projections
As mentioned earlier, the U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) projects an overall shortage of 187,130 doctors by 2037. This includes:
- 8,450 anesthesiologists
- 8,420 radiologists
- 11,900 hospitalists
- 28,890 general internal medicine physicians
- 43,220 family medicine doctors
Why is there a physician shortage?
The causes of America’s physician shortage can be boiled down to four main factors: limitations in training new doctors, physician burnout, an aging population, and higher demand for healthcare services.
Training new doctors is a costly and prolonged endeavor, and according to TIME Magazine, there simply aren’t enough medical schools in the U.S. with enough seats to keep pace with doctor demand. Not only are there fewer spots available for prospective doctors—funding for internships and residency programs has stayed relatively stagnant since 1997, further limiting the ability for students to gain the clinical experience necessary for licensure.
Physicians are also undergoing a period of high stress, forcing many to consider leaving their jobs. According to the 2024 McKinsey report, 40% of physicians report experiencing at least one symptom of burnout, and 58% said their desire to switch jobs has grown over the past year.
The U.S. population is also aging, and fast—by 2030, all members of the Baby Boomer generation (around 73 million people) will be 65 or older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. This presents a problem that’s two-fold: as patients age, they require more complex healthcare which increases demand; physicians who are part of the Baby Boomer generation are also retiring, reducing the overall supply of healthcare professionals.
But it’s not just the elderly who need healthcare—according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about six in 10 American adults suffer from chronic disease. This naturally increases demand for quality healthcare services.
Wellhart is Your Partner for Locum Tenens Physician Staffing
Are you facing having trouble hiring and retaining certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), hospitalists, radiologists, anesthesiologists, and emergency medicine providers? We’re here to help. Our expertise lies in connecting healthcare facilities with skilled locum tenens physicians in these critical specialties.
Whether you’re currently understaffed or anticipating increased demand, don’t let your patients’ care suffer. Contact Wellhart today, and let us match you with a locum tenens physician who will maintain the high standard of care your patients expect and deserve.