Another National Locum Tenens Week has come and gone.
And what a whirlwind five days it was! Last week, some agencies sponsored giveaways. Some held contests. A few gave shoutouts to specific providers. Locumpedia reviewed dozens of agency campaigns from and in this recap, highlight some of the most interesting campaigns we noticed.
1. NALTO Leads the Way in Celebrating National Locum Tenens Week
Eight years ago, NALTO kickstarted National Locum Tenens Week, and this year, they led the charge again, showcasing how the industry has exploded into a $7.5 billion powerhouse that’s now indispensable to 90% of healthcare facilities across the nation.
They also spotlighted the association’s advocacy efforts, including ways agencies can support HR 5208 and rally members to contact their US representatives to help secure locum providers’ roles as independent contractors.
2. Floyd Lee Offers a Chance to Win a Trip to Charleston, SC
In celebration of National Locum Tenens Week, Floyd Lee offered providers a shot at a luxurious escape to Charleston, the city they call home.
To mark the special occasion, they launched a contest that would send one lucky physician or APP on a weekend getaway for two, complete with travel, accommodations, and an itinerary packed with activities around Charleston.
The contest is open until 11:59 p.m. on August 30, and all providers need to do to enter is share how locum tenens has positively impacted their lives. If by chance, you’re a locum tenens provider, submit your story and enter for a chance to win.
3. Wilderness Medical’s Photo Contest Celebrates Locum Tenens Adventures in the Great Outdoors
Wilderness kicked off its celebration with a photo contest, inviting providers to share their favorite snapshots from the vast Midwestern landscapes they’ve explored on assignment in the past year.
The 2024 Locum Tenens Photo Contest featured submissions from Wilderness Medical providers and was promoted across the staffing firm’s social media channels, where followers could vote for their favorite entries.
The competition was fierce, with more than 120 submissions received. Voting ended on Friday, August 15, and the Wilderness team will tally the votes to name three winners, each of whom will receive a handcrafted prize from Alaskan artisans, such as a Mystery Ranch backpack, a wooden bowl from the Great Alaskan Wooden Bowl Company, and wooden spoons from the Alaska Wooden Spoon Company.
4. Cross Country Showcases Inspiring Story of US Air Force Veteran and Locum Physician
Cross Country Locums celebrated National Locum Tenens by spotlighting Dr. Gregory T., an emergency medicine physician and US Air Force veteran, who shared about his journey into medicine and advice for new doctors embarking on their locum tenens careers.
Dr. Gregory’s path to emergency medicine was shaped by his early experiences in rural healthcare and global medical missions, where he witnessed the profound effect of compassionate care in underserved areas. For those just starting their locum tenens careers, he emphasizes the importance of leaning on your training, embracing challenges, and never hesitating to ask for help.
Through locum tenens work, Dr. Gregory enjoys the flexibility he gets to manage his full-time roles with the US Air Force and Indiana University, allowing him to serve his country and his students while practicing medicine on his own terms.
Read the full story here.
5. CHG’s Locumstory Podcast Shares Physicians’ Journey to Locum Tenens
Last week, Locumstory celebrated Locum Tenens Week by featuring the inspirational stories of physicians who switched to locum tenens. In an engaging 11-minute episode, the host interviewed various doctors and APPs about their journeys into this unique and rewarding career path.
Transitioning from a traditional full-time role to locum tenens can be difficult, but as these stories reveal, it’s often a risk worth taking. From tackling student debt to pursuing new opportunities, each physician’s story highlights the many benefits of this flexible career choice.
Catch the episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
6. Interim Physicians’ #ThankALocum Campaign
During Locum Tenens Week, Interim Physicians took a personal approach to honoring their locum tenens providers with its annual #ThankALocum campaign. The Interim recruiting team gave special shoutouts to several physicians and APPs they’ve worked with over the past year, sharing personal stories highlighting their dedication and passion.
Interim recruiters showcased providers who go above and beyond—balancing assignments with being full-time parents while embracing the work they feel called to do.
This joy is evident in their work and shines through in the heartfelt stories shared by the recruiters. For instance, Jackie Byrd, Interim Physicians’ principal recruiting director, shared her experiences working with Dr. Nwankwo and Dr. Abegunde, emphasizing the exceptional commitment they bring to their roles.
7. Locumpedia Explores How 20 Competitors United to Save the Locum Tenens Industry
Last week, Locumpedia dug deep into NALTO’s origins. In October 2001, amid the uncertainty following 9/11, 20 locum tenens execs from competing agencies gathered at the Atlanta airport to address an escalating malpractice crisis. Faced with soaring insurance premiums and unethical practices within the industry, these rivals recognized the need for self-regulation. That first meeting sparked the creation of NALTO, an association dedicated to establishing ethical standards and safeguarding the industry’s future.
Before NALTO, insurers viewed the locum tenens sector as high-risk, primarily due to misconceptions and the unscrupulous behavior of some agencies. Understanding this, NALTO’s 17 founding members collaborated to create a code of ethics and enforce best practices industry-wide.
We were honored to speak with the pioneers who made NALTO a reality. If you haven’t yet explored their remarkable tale, read the story.
