Almost a quarter of Britain’s general practice workforce is made up of locum physicians. They are responsible for seeing millions of patients each year, and help hospitals, clinics and practices to keep on providing valuable healthcare when they are short-staffed or in temporary need of extra medical personnel.
Roughly translated from Latin, Locum Tenens means ‘to hold a place’. Medical professionals who work as locum tenens are literally there to fill the gaps and offer their expertise, wherever it is most needed. They are placed in temporary positions that can be anything from just a few days to several months
The work of a locum is not always easy – it means constantly walking into new surroundings, being accepted by new people, and adapting to new ways of doing things. Patients who have built a rapport with their regular GP or consultant may not feel comfortable discussing their concerns with a stranger, or worse still having to explain themselves all over again. The best locums are those who are deeply sympathetic to the situation and carryout their work with patience and understanding – not just towards their patients, but their colleagues too.
As freelancers, locum tenens are their own bosses. They can choose when and where they work; how many hours they put in and sometimes how much they are paid. It is a great way to gain invaluable experience that just wouldn’t be possible when stationed in the same place. They are exposed to different systems and demographics, and can really get to know themselves and the way they work before choosing to put down roots or indeed after becoming stagnant somewhere.
Locums are able to look at patients with a fresh pair of eyes and objectivity. They can offer a new perspective to their colleagues, and a wealth of knowledge and experience. Even as just an extra pair of hands, their presence can prove lifesaving on a daily basis. The ability to work as part of a team is essential, being able to fit in from the get-go and often being thrust into situations headfirst.
