Do you still feel the calling to practice medicine?
Welcome to Locums CME 52, Locumpedia’s bi-weekly news roundup that helps physicians and APPs maximize their locum tenens lifestyle.
Our lead story: A new study by LocumTenens.com and Jackson Physician Search sought to find out how physicians feel about their jobs by going straight to the source, and what they found didn’t paint a rosy picture. According to survey results, only 62% of clinicians still see medicine as a calling, significantly lower than even five years ago. While a lot of the numbers look grim, the truth is that many physicians are finding alternative ways to reignite their passion for healthcare, from setting work-life boundaries to taking on locum tenens assignments with flexible schedules.
Also in this edition of Locums CME: Congress gives Medicare telehealth another temporary lifeline, retired doctors are coming off the sidelines to help combat the rural health shortage, and demand for cardiologists is growing nationwide. Plus, we explore the sobering reality of how burnout disproportionately affects women physicians.
More Physicians Are Losing Their Sense of Purpose: What Can Be Done?
February 13, 2025 | LocumTenens.com
Is medicine still a calling, or has it become just a job? According to a new survey from LocumTenens.com and Jackson Physician Search, the answer is complicated. While 62% of clinicians say they still feel called to medicine, that number has dropped sharply from 78% in 2019. Altruism remains a primary motivator, with 73% saying it drew them to the field, but that spark has faded for many.
Burnout isn’t hitting everyone equally. Women, advanced practice providers, and those serving underserved communities are more likely to feel that sense of calling still. But even among satisfied providers, burnout is lurking. Many blame productivity pressures, poor support, and endless insurance red tape for the growing disconnect.
Still, it’s not all bleak. Clinicians say they’re finding purpose again by setting better work-life boundaries, taking on locum tenens assignments, or partnering with mission-aligned organizations. But if healthcare leaders want to rekindle a sense of calling industry-wide, they’ll need to tackle the root causes of burnout first.
Why More Doctors Are Choosing Part-Time Locums Work
March 13 | MD Staffers
More physicians are choosing to ditch the traditional nine-to-five grind for part-time locum tenens work, and it’s not just about the money (though let’s be honest, the extra income doesn’t hurt). Part-time locums gigs offer doctors a way to regain control over their careers, carve out more personal time, and stay professionally sharp without burning out.
MD Staffers highlighted how these roles provide unmatched flexibility. Physicians can work where and when they want, ideal for those nearing retirement, managing family life, or pursuing other passions. Some of the most popular reasons for choosing locum tenens work include:
- Schedule Flexibility: You get to decide when and how much you work
- Higher Earning Potential: Locum positions pay more per hour than equivalent permanent ones
- No Long-Term Commitment: Try out different roles or locations before settling down
- Opportunities for Growth: Learn new skills and gain experience in diverse settings
Locum tenens doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. Exploring part-time opportunities while you decide what makes sense for you in the long term is a straightforward way for providers to try before they buy.
A Simple Guide to Locum Physician Pay
March 19 | CompHealth
When it comes to locum tenens, compensation isn’t just competitive; it’s custom-built for flexibility. CompHealth reports that most locum providers are paid an all-inclusive hourly or daily rate that covers their time, expertise, and often housing, travel, and malpractice insurance. There is no chasing reimbursements, no waiting on RVUs, just clear, consistent pay you can count on.
Rates vary by specialty, location, shift type, and demand. A locum anesthesiologist pulling weekend calls usually out-earns a family medicine doc working weekdays in a metro clinic. However, one of the biggest myths CompHealth calls out is that locum pay is one-size-fits-all. Providers can negotiate rates based on experience, schedule preferences, and contract length. And unlike full-time roles, locum gigs rarely come with surprise admin duties or unpaid extras.
The bottom line? Locum tenens pay is designed to be simple, transparent, and fair. Whether picking up extra shifts or going all-in on locums, knowing how and when you’ll get paid is key to making the most of your time on the road.
How Locum Tenens Can Jumpstart CRNA Careers
March 17 | Medicus Healthcare Solutions
New CRNAs have options, and locum tenens is quickly becoming a top pick for those seeking more freedom, better pay, and less burnout. Whether you’re fresh out of training or ready to break free from a rigid schedule, locum gigs let CRNAs build clinical confidence while customizing their workload and lifestyle.
Medicus Healthcare Solutions notes that locum assignments offer exposure to various settings, including small rural hospitals and high-acuity surgical centers. This variety helps CRNAs sharpen their skills and determine which environments best fit their long-term goals. Many jobs also include premium pay and perks like travel and housing coverage, all without the strings of a permanent position.
One of the biggest draws is flexibility. You don’t have to commit long-term. Locums can be a profitable way to gain experience or a low-risk way to try out the lifestyle. Whether you want to expand your skill set, avoid burnout, or explore new practice styles, locum tenens offers a flexible and rewarding path.
Congress Considers Permanent Medicare Telehealth Lifeline
March 18 | The National Law Review
Medicare telehealth just got another stay of execution through the end of 2026. In a move welcomed by both providers and patients, Congress approved a temporary extension that preserves pandemic-era flexibilities and keeps virtual care accessible nationwide. That includes ongoing reimbursement for telehealth visits, no in-person requirements for mental health care, and some continued flexibility with cross-state licensure.
The catch? It’s still temporary. Lawmakers delayed a permanent decision again, raising concerns that providers, especially locum tenens working across state lines, could face regulatory headaches if long-term reform doesn’t follow. While bipartisan support for telehealth remains strong, competing legislative priorities and budget constraints could slow progress.
Telehealth isn’t disappearing anytime soon, but its long-term future depends on what Congress does next. For now, locum providers can continue confidently offering virtual care, but they should keep 2026 in mind when planning ahead.
Retired Doctors Are Coming Off the Sidelines To Help with Rural Health
March 11 | The Daily Yonder
In small towns nationwide, retired physicians are stepping back into the spotlight to help address the growing rural healthcare crisis. Where access to care is disappearing, these doctors fill critical gaps with decades of experience and a renewed sense of purpose.
The Daily Yonder profiles retired providers returning to medicine not out of financial need, but out of mission. Many volunteers work through nonprofit clinics or part-time in areas where hospitals have closed, and the nearest emergency room is hours away. Some are driven by a desire to give back. Others are reclaiming their calling after leaving medicine early due to burnout or moral injury. This time, they’re serving on their own terms.
But their return also raises a red flag. If retired doctors are the safety net, what does that say about the system? The Association of American Medical Colleges projects a shortage of up to 86,000 physicians by 2036. While these clinicians are making a meaningful impact, the need for long-term solutions is clear. Expanding locum tenens coverage and telehealth access will ensure rural communities aren’t left behind.
Physician Wellness Retreat
New Study Shows Women Physicians Need Mental Health Support
March 12 | KevinMD
Medicine takes a toll on everyone, but women in the profession carry a hefty burden. In The Cost of Caring, internist and leadership coach Dr. Linda Lawrence confronts a stark reality: women physicians die by suicide more than twice as often as women in other careers, and 130% more often than their male peers. These doctors have devoted their lives to healing others, yet many suffer in silence, trapped in systems that reward overwork and undervalue emotional labor.
This “culture of endurance” forces women physicians to suppress grief, juggle caregiving responsibilities, and keep going despite exhaustion. Layer on systemic bias and discrimination, and it’s clear this is more than burnout—it’s moral injury. Dr. Lawrence calls on institutions to stop offering surface-level wellness fixes and create environments supporting psychological safety and long-term well-being.
Medicine must consider the actual cost to retain its best and brightest. That means building systems that prioritize support, equity, and sustainability because care shouldn’t come at the caregiver’s expense.
The State of Physician Burnout and Mental Health
March 6 | Healthgrades
Burnout isn’t just simmering beneath the surface anymore; it’s boiling over. According to a new report from Healthgrades, nearly three in five physicians say they’ve felt burned out in the past year, and more than half report symptoms of depression. These numbers aren’t just alarming, they should be a wake-up call. Medicine may still feel like a calling, but for many doctors, it has become a burden they’re quietly carrying alone.
The report points to several leading causes: nonstop administrative tasks, frustrating EHR systems, poor work-life balance, and a workplace culture that treats self-sacrifice as a badge of honor. Even more troubling, only 29% of physicians believe their employers are doing enough to support their mental health. Female physicians report the highest burnout rates and are less likely to feel supported by leadership.
There’s no quick fix, but experts agree that meaningful change starts with structural solutions. That means cutting back on red tape, embracing team-based care, and creating workplaces where psychological safety is the norm. In the meantime, options like locum tenens work or having honest conversations with employers about workload and flexibility can offer some relief.
COVID-19’s Lasting Impact on New and Rural Physicians
March 12 | MedicalxPress
A new study confirms what rural physicians have known all along: the COVID-19 pandemic hit them harder, and recovery remains out of reach. Research from the University of Minnesota found that rural doctors experienced higher rates of burnout, mental health challenges, and professional isolation than their urban peers. Many were already stretched thin before COVID. The pandemic just turned up the pressure.
The study surveyed nearly 1,500 physicians and found a steep decline in new doctors entering rural practice, from just over 3% before the pandemic to less than 1% during it. Salary satisfaction dropped nearly 3%, and the likelihood of receiving additional incentives also fell by a similar margin. The overall perception of rural job opportunities also took a hit.
Despite it all, rural physicians continue to show up. They remain committed to their communities, often working well past the point of exhaustion. But commitment alone won’t fix the cracks. The study calls for urgent reforms, including more substantial financial incentives and better protections for non-citizen providers vital to rural care.
Doctor’s Notes
How Locum Providers Can Maximize Their Earning Potential
March 12 | AllMedical Personnel
If you’re looking to boost your income without being tied to a rigid schedule, locum tenens might be your best move. The team at All Medical shared tips to help locum providers maximize their earning potential, and the advice is solid.
Here’s how to make the most of your locums work:
- Negotiate your contracts. Don’t take the first offer. Know the going rates in your specialty and location, and always ask about extras like housing, travel, and malpractice coverage. Providers who negotiate typically earn 10% to 20% more.
- Pick high-demand locations. Rural and underserved areas often pay more to attract talent. Crisis assignments or last-minute openings may also come with added incentives.
- Take advantage of tax benefits. Track your expenses (travel, lodging, and meals) and talk to a tax advisor about forming an LLC or S corporation to unlock additional savings.
- Keep multiple licenses active. The more states you’re licensed in, the more gigs you can land.
- Choose longer assignments. These often come with higher pay and more stability, and they help reduce the downtime between jobs.
Whether picking up extra shifts, bridging the gap between roles, or going all-in on a locum lifestyle, you can earn more while spending less time buried in paperwork.
Demand Grows for Cardiology Care
March 20 | Hayes Locums
Demand for cardiologists has never been higher, but supply is falling short. Hayes Locums explains why cardiology is quickly becoming one of the most in-demand medical specialties. With heart disease still the leading cause of death in the US, an aging population, and rural communities struggling to access specialty care, facilities across the country are racing to fill open roles.
But the shortage isn’t just about numbers. Many cardiologists are nearing retirement, and younger physicians are leaning toward subspecialties or choosing to practice in metro areas. That leaves smaller hospitals and critical access facilities scrambling, creating significant opportunities for locum tenens providers.
Locum cardiologists benefit from high pay, flexible schedules, and the chance to deliver essential care where it is needed most. This path offers both professional freedom and meaningful impact.
Hayes Locums expects demand to keep climbing, especially in interventional and electrophysiology roles. For cardiologists looking to take control of their careers, locum tenens could be the future.
New Opportunities for Locum Providers Considering Telemedicine
March 18 | Integrity Locums
Telemedicine isn’t just sticking around; it’s opening new doors for locum tenens doctors. According to IHCL, more providers are embracing virtual care as a flexible, high-impact way to practice medicine without borders. Clinical autonomy and geographic freedom are the best of both worlds for locums. Whether treating patients across state lines or covering a rural clinic from your kitchen, the tech is expanding what’s possible.
Key benefits include reduced travel, customizable schedules, and the ability to support underserved communities without moving. Telehealth can also help extend careers for physicians looking to scale back or ease into retirement.
Of course, it’s not all seamless. Licensure requirements, tech troubleshooting, and reimbursement rules must be managed carefully. But for locum tenens doctors willing to adapt, telemedicine offers a path to meet rising patient demand, maintain work-life balance, and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving field.
Why Continued Medical Education Pays Off for APPs
March 26 | MPLT Healthcare
Continuing education is a game changer for advanced practice providers. MPLT Healthcare explains why ongoing learning is essential for nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other APPs who want to stay sharp, grow their careers, and deliver high-quality patient care. From renewing certifications to building new skills in emerging specialties, CME helps APPs keep pace with a healthcare system that never stops moving.
But there’s more to it than staying compliant. MPLT highlights how continuing education can lead to leadership roles, boost confidence, and make providers more marketable, especially in competitive or high-paying locum assignments. It also offers practical advice, like keeping up with your state’s CME requirements, exploring employer-sponsored programs, and using professional organizations for free or discounted resources.
Lifelong learning doesn’t just benefit patients. It powers a more flexible, fulfilling, and future-ready career. Whether you’re working locum gigs or moving up the clinical ladder, CME helps you control your next move.
Sponsored Content
How Much Can Emergency Medicine Providers Make?
March 4 | OnCall Solutions
Emergency medicine may be unpredictable, but your earning potential doesn’t have to be in 2025. OnCall Solutions’ latest Emergency Medicine Salary Guide breaks down where EM physicians earn the most, what drives compensation, and how locum tenens providers can boost their income while avoiding burnout.
The guide shows that emergency physicians command substantial salaries nationwide, with rates influenced by geography, experience, and practice setting. Rural and underserved areas continue to offer top dollar, especially for locums willing to take night shifts or travel. The report also highlights growing demand for EM providers with niche skills in ultrasound, trauma care, and pediatrics.
Whether working full-time, part-time, or building a locums-based career, knowing your value is key to creating a more profitable and sustainable future in emergency medicine.
