All Star Team

12 Brain-Boosting Ways to Experience San Antonio During AANS 2026

From May 1–4, 2026, San Antonio will host the American Association of Neurological Surgeons Annual Scientific Meeting (AANS 2026), bringing together the neurosurgical community — and the All Star team — for four days of innovation, collaboration, and transformation.

It’s a schedule built for deep focus, rapid synthesis, and constant cognitive engagement — the kind that can leave even the most resilient prefrontal cortex quietly asking for a reset.

San Antonio makes that easier than most cities.

This guide, inspired by AARP's Six Pillars of Brain Health, is designed to help you stay sharp between sessions — with just enough movement, novelty, and actual downtime to keep your brain functioning at a high level through day four. Because if anyone understands the value of maintaining peak cognitive performance, it’s this group.

Ongoing Exercise

Start with movement — the simplest way to clear the system and set the tone for the day.

1. Stroll the River Walk

Vibrant, walkable, and lined with more activity than your hippocampus really needs to keep track of; the River Walk is chronically underrated as a morning ritual. A few miles along the San Antonio River before sessions is the closest thing to a neural warm-up outside the OR.

2. Bike the Mission Trail

Eight miles. Four Spanish colonial missions. This scenic stretch along the river is equal parts movement and a chance to clear your head — with built-in rest stops that just happen to be 300-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Structured enough to quiet the internal noise, and just removed enough from downtown to feel like a real reset.

San Antonio River Walk

Restorative Sleep

After a full day of sessions, the goal shifts from input to recovery.

3. Sunset at the San Antonio Botanical Garden

Thirty-three acres of curated quiet. Enough visual variety to stay engaged, not enough stimulation to stay activated. Think of it as a gentle system shutdown — the kind your brain has been asking for since the second afternoon keynote.

4. Evening GO RIO boat cruise

A slow glide through the River Walk as the city dims down gives your default mode network a chance to finally clock in. The steady motion, quiet water, and soft lights do most of the work — you just have to let it.

River Walk Cruise

Eat Right

At some point, you’ll need to refuel — strategically... or otherwise.

5. Tacos at Mi Tierra Café y Panadería

Open 24 hours since 1941, Mi Tierra Café y Panadería features vibrant murals, strolling mariachis, and some of the best Tex-Mex in the city. None of it fits the Mediterranean diet. All of it is exactly what your dopamine receptors ordered.

6. Graze the Pearl District

A Saturday morning (May 2) farmers market, riverfront restaurants, local bakeries, and enough variety to make "just one more stop" feel like a clinical recommendation. Graze, wander, and repeat until your next session pulls you back in.

Pearl District

Engage Your Brain

Not everything has to be passive.

7. Wander through the San Antonio Museum of Art

Housed in a former brewery (yes, really), this museum spans 5,000 years of human creativity across cultures and continents — great for engaging your brain between sessions. Moving through it activates pattern recognition and visual processing — a different kind of workout for a brain that’s been running one mode all day.

8. Descend into the Natural Bridge Caverns

Sixty million years in the making, the Natural Bridge Caverns offer a full dose of novelty beneath the surface. Guided paths wind through dramatic underground formations in cool, low-lit silence — full sensory contrast to a conference hall running at full throughput. Call it cogitive-cross training at its finest.

Natural Bridge Caverns

Be Social

The type that doesn’t involve name tags.

9. Drinks at the Esquire Tavern

One of the oldest bars in Texas, right on the River Walk, with a long wooden bar and a crowd that tends toward good conversation. The kind of place that turns "one drink after sessions" into a two-hour debrief nobody planned, and everyone needed.

10. Ghost Tour Through Historic San Antonio

Lantern-lit streets, centuries of history, and stories that engage your amygdala in all the right ways. The Sisters Grimm Ghost Tours wander past the Alamo and through the city's most haunted corners — equal parts history lesson and shared adrenaline. Nothing bonds a group faster than a little well-curated fear.

The Alamo

Manage Stress

Eventually, the system needs a reset.

11. Find Stillness at the Japanese Tea Garden

Stone bridges, koi ponds, shaded paths, and a pace that politely refuses urgency. Built inside a former quarry and consistently under-visited, it’s one of the city’s best-kept secrets — and one of the easiest ways to fully shift into parasympathetic mode. And, beautiful enough to make you forget you have a 7 a.m. panel.

12. Mokara Spa on the River Walk

Right on the River Walk and fully committed to lowering your baseline cortisol, this spa offers relaxing massages, rejuvenating facials, and an environment perfect for a brain that hasn’t stopped firing since breakfast.

Japanese Tea Garden

Stop by Booth #1060 at AANS 2026

Whether you’re logging steps, keeping your mind engaged, or giving your nervous system some well-earned time-off, San Antonio makes it easy to give your brain exactly what it needs during AANS 2026.

And inside the conference hall, be sure to visit All Star Healthcare Solutions at booth #1060 — we’d love to connect, talk locum tenens neurosurgery opportunities, or compare favorite River Walk detours.

We’re also giving away an Oura Ring in celebration. Fill out the form to enter for your chance to win.

If this conference has you thinking about what’s next, browse our current neurosurgery openings nationwide.

by All Star Team

A Gastroenterologist’s Guide to Chicago During DDW 2026

Digestive Disease Week (DDW 2026) is right around the corner (May 2–5), bringing thousands of gastroenterology and hepatology professionals — along with the All Star team — to the Windy City for four days of new insights, meaningful connections, and enough microbiome talk to make you rethink at least a few meal decisions.

It’s a big conference — and Chicago is exactly the kind of city that can keep up.

Step outside the convention center and the shift is immediate — open water, skyline views, and a city that doesn’t really slow down. It’s the kind of place where even a short break can feel like a reset — especially in the middle of a packed few days.

Here are 14 ways to spend your off-time — all chosen, of course, with GIs in mind.

Manage Your Motility

1. Take a walk (or a run) along the Lakefront Trail

Eighteen miles along Lake Michigan, flat, scenic, and surprisingly peaceful for a major city. Early morning is best — fewer people, cooler air, and just enough time to convince yourself you’re making “healthy choices” before conference snacks enter the picture.

2. Explore the 606 trail above the city

An elevated rail-to-trail path cutting through four neighborhoods and culminating in a beautiful green space. Two and a half miles, lined with art, locals, and actual Chicago life. It moves faster than most transit studies and is infinitely more interesting than pacing your hotel gym.

3. Stroll the Chicago Riverwalk

One of the easiest ways to step out without overthinking it. Follow the river, grab a drink, and take in the architecture from street level — no tickets, no planning required. It’s the kind of place where a quick break actually feels like one.

Chicago Riverwalk

Activate Rest-and-Digest

4. Head to Millennium Park at dusk

Touristy during the day, surprisingly calm in the evening. The skyline softens, the crowds thin, and for a moment, no one is asking you about prep protocols. Walk past the Bean, find a spot to sit, and let the pace of the day slow down a bit before heading back.

5. Walk through Lincoln Park (and stop by the zoo)

A quieter kind of break — tree-lined paths, open space, and a free zoo that’s worth a quick pass-through. It’s an easy way to get outside, clear your head, and feel like you’ve stepped out of the conference rhythm for a bit. Also, a solid option if you’re traveling with family.

6. Unwind at Aire Ancient Baths

Low lighting, warm pools, silence — the kind of environment that makes you forget you’ve been networking all day (and sitting in conference chairs). It’s not medical, but it feels adjacent. If you’re looking for the closest thing to fully shifting into rest-and-digest mode without submitting a protocol for approval, this is it.

7. Step into the Garfield Park Conservatory

A greenhouse escape filled with tropical plants, quiet paths, and air that feels noticeably different from the conference hall. It’s warm, calm, and just removed enough from the pace of downtown to feel like a true reset. An easy way to step out, slow down, and give your system a break before heading back in.

Millenium Park

Let’s Talk About Food (We Have To)

8. Commit to Chicago deep dish (choose wisely)

Pequod’s if you want caramelized crust and strong opinions. Lou Malnati’s if you want tradition. Giordano’s if you like it stuffed. Is it low-FODMAP? No. Is it worth it? Yes, no question. Think of it as a controlled exposure... and adjust your antacid regimen accordingly.

9. Start your morning at Green City Market (Saturday, May 2)

If you’re arriving early, this is your redemption arc. Local produce, fresh bread, actual fiber. The kind of place where your microbiome feels seen.

10. Plan one proper dinner in the West Loop

One of the best food neighborhoods in the country. High-end, casual, everything in between. If DDW is about precision medicine, this is precision eating — and your gut will absolutely log it as a meaningful event.

Giordano’s

Feed Your Other Brain

11. Take a Chicago Architecture Boat Tour

Ninety minutes on the river at a pace that would normally trigger a motility consult — which is exactly why it works. Sit down, look up, and let someone else do the explaining as the city unfolds around you. It’s equal parts relaxing and impressive, and a rare chance to experience Chicago without rushing through it.

12. Spend an hour (or two) at the Art Institute of Chicago

Five thousand years of art across an entire afternoon if you let it. Quiet, slow, and appealing to your creative brain instead of your conference one. Your enteric nervous system won’t care — but your other brain will.

Art Institute of Chicago

Good Gut Feelings

13. Catch a Cubs Game at Wrigley Field

They're playing at home all four days. You’ll be surrounded by strangers who will become temporary friends by the third inning and amateur analysts by the seventh. It’s communal, chaotic, and very Chicago — with just enough late-inning tension to give even a gastroenterologist a case of stadium-induced “butterflies.”

14. See a show Second City

Legendary Chicago improv and sketch comedy that’s sharp, fast, and genuinely funny — the kind of place that launched more than a few careers you definitely recognize. It’s social in the best way, not the business-card way. Laughing until your abdomen hurts is, technically, excellent core engagement. We’re counting it.

Wrigley Field

Stop by Booth #1947 at DDW 2026

DDW moves quickly — and much like GI, balance makes all the difference.

Move when you can.

Indulge when it’s worth it.

And give yourself time to reset along the way.

And while you’re there, make sure to connect with All Star Healthcare Solutions at booth #1947. Whether you’re exploring locum tenens opportunities or just want to debate Chicago’s best deep dish, we’re here for both.

We’re also celebrating DDW with a giveaway — enter for a chance to win a pair of AI-assisted Ray-Ban Meta Glasses.

If this trip has you thinking about what’s next, explore our current gastroenterology openings nationwide — and download our 2026 GI Salary Guide for a closer look at what your peers are earning today.

by All Star Team

10 Best Locum Tenens Agencies and Companies in 2026

The U.S. locum tenens market was valued at approximately $9.6 billion in 2025, according to Staffing Industry Analysts, and it continues to grow as physician shortages are projected to reach as many as 86,000 by 2036, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), driving sustained demand for interim and temporary staffing.

For physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and CRNAs considering locum work, there is no shortage of agencies competing for your attention. The quality of the agency you choose shapes nearly every aspect of the experience: the positions you can access, how smoothly credentialing goes, what your malpractice coverage actually includes, and whether you feel like a person or a placement metric.

At All Star Healthcare Solutions, we have spent more than two decades helping physicians and advanced practitioners navigate exactly this decision. This guide reflects what that experience has taught us about evaluating agencies — covering ten of the most established firms in the market, large national players and specialty-focused independents alike, followed by a practical framework to help you make a more informed choice.

What Is a Locum Tenens Company?

A locum tenens company is a staffing agency that connects physicians and advanced practitioners with healthcare facilities that need temporary or interim clinical coverage. Also called locum tenens agencies or locum tenens staffing firms, these companies earn a placement fee from the facility, not the provider. That fee structure matters: providers pay nothing for agency services, and understanding it helps explain why agencies are motivated to find assignments that facilities will actually hire for. Full-service locum tenens agencies typically handle:

Credentialing and licensing support across multiple states
Malpractice insurance for the duration of assignments
Housing and travel logistics
Dedicated consultant support throughout the process

The alternative is arranging locum work indepedently as a 1099 contractor without an agency. Going independent gives providers more direct control, but it requires managing state medical licensing, sourcing your own malpractice coverage, negotiating directly with facilities that often prefer to work through vetted agency partners, and handling the full self-employment tax burdens.

Top Locum Tenens Companies in 2026

All Star Healthcare Solutions

Best for: Providers who want national reach with specialty-specific consultant expertise and the flexibility to move between locum and permanent placement as their career evolves

Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Boca Raton , Florida, All Star Healthcare Solutions has built a 22-year track record placing physicians and advanced practitioners across 85+ specialties in all 50 U.S. states and territories. The network spans more than 150 hospital systems and more than 1,600 healthcare facilities, and All Star is ranked among the top locum tenens staffing firms in the country nationally. NALTO member. In May 2025, All Star strengthened its national footprint through the acquisition of Integrity Locums, a relationship-focused staffing firm that expanded both capacity and geographic reach.

Two factors distinguish All Star’s positioning in this market. First, All Star operates on a specialty-team model. Providers work with a consultant who is a dedicated expert in their specific specialty, not a generalist managing a mixed caseload across multiple disciplines. For a cardiologist, that means working with someone who understands the credentialing timeline, the market rates, and the specific clinical environment expectations for cardiology locum assignments.

Second, and uniquely among the agencies profiled in this guide, All Star offers both locum tenens and permanent placement. For a physician who enters locum work and later decides to explore a permanent role, All Star Healthcare Solutions can support that transition. This is a full-service career partnership rather than a transactional placement.

The All Star Advantage service model is backed by a team environment that has earned the company repeated "Best Places to Work" and "Top Workplace" recognition, along with the ClearlyRated 2026 Best of Staffing Talent award - based on verified satisfaction scores from providers who have worked with the agency, not self-reported submissions. All Star's consultant engagement and retention rates directly affect the quality of support providers' experience. Full-service support includes credentialing, licensing, travel and housing logistics, and malpractice coverage (type not publicly confirmed; ask your consultant before signing).

What sets All Star apart: Where the largest conglomerates compete on sheer volume of open positions, All Star’s value proposition is quality of match. Specialty-specific consultants, a 99.5% rematch rate, and a service model built around long-term provider relationships mean placements tend to be better fits, not just faster fills. Providers who want a high-touch agency relationship and a clear path between locum and permanent work will find All Star’s model well-suited to that goal.

CompHealth

CompHealth is the locum tenens division of CHG Healthcare, one of the largest healthcare staffing networks in the country. Active across more than 100 specialties and a wide range of healthcare roles, CompHealth works with hospital systems nationwide—including some exclusive contracts—maintaining a broad national inventory. Full-service support includes credentialing, licensing, claims-made malpractice coverage with tail, housing coordination, and travel logistics.

AMN Healthcare

AMN Healthcare is one of the largest healthcare staffing companies in the United States, with a locums division covering hospital medicine, radiology, emergency medicine, surgery, and additional specialties. Institutional depth in large health systems and academic medical centers is a distinguishing strength. W-2 employment arrangements are available for some providers. Full-service support covers licensing, credentialing, travel logistics, and malpractice coverage. NALTO member.

Weatherby Healthcare

Weatherby Healthcare operates within the CHG Healthcare family with an identity built around recruiter quality and provider satisfaction. A dedicated recruiter is assigned to each provider. Specialty coverage spans both physicians and advanced practitioners. Full-service support includes licensing, credentialing, housing, travel, and malpractice coverage. NALTO member.

Medicus Healthcare Solutions

Medicus Healthcare Solutions is an independent locum tenens agency with core strengths in hospital medicine, internal medicine, and emergency medicine. Its independence keeps organizational focus squarely on locum tenens staffing rather than a broader staffing portfolio. Provider satisfaction scores are consistently strong in physician community forums, particularly among hospitalists. Services include licensing, credentialing, travel logistics, and malpractice coverage. NALTO member.

Hayes Locums

Hayes Locums has built a strong reputation among advanced practice providers alongside its physician staffing. A personal recruiter model means providers work with a dedicated contact throughout the process. Full-service support includes licensing, credentialing, travel, housing, and malpractice coverage. NALTO member.

Global Medical Staffing

Global Medical Staffing is the only major U.S.-based agency specializing in international placements, operating within the CHG Healthcare group. Primary markets include Australia, New Zealand, the Caribbean, and the United Kingdom. Services cover international medical licensing, relocation coordination, cultural and clinical acclimation support, visa and credential verification, and jurisdiction-appropriate malpractice coverage. For providers pursuing international work, no comparable U.S. agency offers this infrastructure. NALTO member.

Jackson + Coker

Jackson + Coker has operated in the locum tenens market for more than 45 years. Its Earned Privileges program expedites re-credentialing for providers returning to facilities where they have previously worked, reducing one of the most time-consuming elements of repeat placement. Multi-specialty coverage spans physicians and advanced practitioners. Full-service support includes credentialing, licensing, travel, housing, and malpractice coverage. NALTO member.

Vista Staffing Solutions

Vista Staffing Solutions, part of the AMN Healthcare family, focuses on federal government and government-contracted healthcare facilities. VA hospitals, Indian Health Service sites, and Department of Defense facilities carry compliance and credentialing requirements that generalist agencies handle less efficiently. Vista’s dedicated government division manages these requirements directly. Multi-specialty coverage is available for non-government placements. Services include licensing, credentialing, travel logistics, and malpractice coverage. NALTO member.

Barton Associates

Barton Associates extends beyond physician and advanced practice staffing to include dental clinicians, a breadth most agencies on this list do not offer. Active across more than 100 specialties with national coverage, Barton serves physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and dental providers through a personal recruiter model. Full-service support includes credentialing, licensing, travel, housing, and malpractice coverage. NALTO member.

How We Evaluated These Locum Tenens Agencies

Selecting agencies for this guide involved evaluating each firm across a consistent set of criteria relevant to providers, not to facilities or investors.

Specialty coverage breadth and geographic reach matter because an agency with limited active inventory in your subspecialty may have fewer opportunities available to place you, regardless of how highly reviewed its recruiters are. Recruiter quality and responsiveness were weighted based on verified provider satisfaction scores from ClearlyRated, which collects reviews through independently administered surveys rather than self-reported submissions.

Evaluation Criterion	Why It Matters to Providers
Specialty Coverage	Ensures the agency has an active job flow in your subspecialty
NALTO Membership	Signals adherence to the industry code of conduct and ethics
Malpractice Type	Occurrence vs. claims-made affects your coverage after the assignment ends
Credentialing Support	The speed and completeness of the privileging process affect your start date
Pay Transparency	Clear rates, per diem, and reimbursements must be confirmed before signing
ClearlyRated Score	Verified peer reviews from other locum providers at the same agency
Geographic Reach	Determines whether the agency can place you in your preferred states

How to Choose the Right Locum Tenens Agency

There is no single best locum tenens agency for every provider. The right fit depends on your specialty, the geographic markets you want to work in, the type of service relationship you value, and whether your career goals are locum-only or include a path toward permanence. The criteria below apply to any agency on this list, or any agency you evaluate outside of it.

NALTO Membership, BBB Ratings, and Provider Reviews

Start with NALTO membership. NALTO.org maintains a publicly searchable member directory, and membership commits an agency to a code of conduct covering pay transparency, contract ethics, and professional standards. It is not a guarantee of quality, but it is the fastest single filter for eliminating firms that have not agreed to basic industry accountability.

BBB accreditation serves as a complaint-resolution signal: it reflects whether an agency participates in a structured process when providers or facilities have disputes. ClearlyRated “Best of Staffing” recognition is the most provider-specific quality indicator available: it is based on independently verified surveys from providers who have actually worked with the agency, not self-submitted testimonials. Google reviews and physician forum discussions (Doximity, SDN, Reddit’s r/medicine) provide a supplemental layer of unfiltered provider experience.

Pay Transparency and Contract Terms

Before signing anything, get every compensation element in writing. Base pay rate is only the starting point; overtime and on-call rates, per diem amounts, and expense reimbursements all affect the real value of an assignment.

On the contract side, scrutinize these terms carefully:

Cancellation terms: What happens if the facility cancels your assignment with short notice?
Non-compete or radius restrictions: Some are geographic and enforceable.
Arbitration clauses: These affect your legal options if a dispute arises.
Indemnification language: This determines who bears liability in specific circumstances.

Comparing at least two or three agencies on paper before committing is worth the time. First-time locum providers should consider having a healthcare attorney review the contract before signing. For context, credentialing timelines typically range from 60 to 120 days for most hospital-based specialties, so plan accordingly when evaluating assignment start dates.

Red Flags to Watch For:

Pressure to sign before receiving written contract details
Vague or verbal-only pay breakdowns
Non-compete clauses with no defined geographic limitation
Agencies that cannot clearly state whether malpractice coverage is occurrence-based or claims-made

These are not minor administrative oversights. They have direct financial and legal consequences.

Specialty Fit and Job Volume

Before committing to an agency relationship, ask specific questions about current inventory:

How many open positions does the agency have in your specialty right now?
Which states are they actively placing in today, not six months ago?
Do they hold exclusive contracts with hospital systems, and if so, which ones?
What is the typical credentialing timeline for your specialty through this agency?

An agency with exclusive facility contracts in your specialty gives you access to positions that providers working through competing agencies simply cannot see. Credentialing timelines matter especially in high-demand specialties where facilities are moving quickly to fill coverage gaps.

Locum Tenens Agency Quick Reference Guide

The table below summarizes each agency’s core positioning to help providers narrow their options at a glance.

Agency	Specialty Focus	NALTO	Key Differentiator	Best For
All Star Healthcare	85+ specialties	Yes	ClearlyRated recognition; All Star Advantage ; locum + permanent placement	Providers wanting national reach with high-touch service
CompHealth	100+ specialties	Yes	Large U.S. job inventory; CHG Healthcare network	Healthcare professionals seeking a high volume of placement options
AMN Healthcare	Multi-specialty	Yes	Large health system and academic center access; W-2 option	Physicians targeting institutional placements
Weatherby Healthcare	Physicians + APPs	Yes	ClearlyRated recognition; dedicated recruiter relationships	Physicians who prioritize service culture
Medicus Healthcare Solutions	Hospitalist, IM, EM	Yes	Independent agency; high provider satisfaction	Hospitalists and internal medicine physicians
Hayes Locums	NP, PA, CRNA, MD	Yes	Advanced practice depth; ClearlyRated verified	NPs, PAs, CRNAs seeking provider-focused agency
Global Medical Staffing	International	Yes	Only major U.S. agency for international placements	Physicians seeking international assignments
Jackson + Coker	Multi-specialty	Yes	Earned Privileges program for repeat locums	Experienced providers doing repeat assignments
Vista Staffing	Government + multi	Yes	VA, IHS, and federal facility expertise	Physicians seeking government-sector positions
Barton Associates	MD + NP/PA + Dental	Yes	Multi-discipline including dental	NPs, PAs, dental clinicians

Next Steps for Providers

The right locum tenens agency depends on where you are in your career, what specialty you practice, and what kind of service relationship matters to you. Use the comparison table above to narrow your shortlist, then contact two or three agencies directly to ask about current inventory in your specialty and preferred states. Ask specifically about malpractice coverage type, credentialing timelines, and cancellation terms before signing anything.

For providers who want a national agency with specialty-specific consultant expertise and the flexibility to move between locum and permanent placement as their career evolves, All Star Healthcare Solutions offers full-service support at every stage, from first assignment through long-term career planning.

by All Star Team

10 ACC.26 Trials Shaping Cardiology Right Now

Our All Star Healthcare Solutions team spent three energizing days in New Orleans at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session (ACC.26) from March 28–30 — connecting with attendees, catching up with familiar faces, and meeting cardiologists from across the country.

A big thank-you to everyone who stopped by booth #2457 to talk locum tenens and explore how we help cardiologists find more freedom and flexibility in their careers.

Beyond the booth, ACC.26 delivered a steady stream of new data and clinical insights shaping how cardiologists think about care — from precision interventions to more proactive disease management.

If you couldn’t make it this year — or just want a quick refresher between cases — here’s a look at the trials and takeaways worth keeping on your radar.

Top Takeaways at a Glance

Lower LDL targets continue to improve outcomes in secondary prevention, without added safety concerns
Primary prevention is expanding, with earlier use of advanced lipid-lowering therapies in high-risk populations
Less invasive and more streamlined approaches continue to perform well across interventional and structural care
Long-standing therapies are being re-evaluated, including beta-blocker duration after MI
Lifestyle interventions are becoming more structured, scalable, and clinically actionable

Key Clinical Trials from ACC.26

Trial	Focus Area	Key Finding	Why it Matters	Source
Ez-PAVE	Lipid lowering in ASCVD (secondary prevention)	LDL-C <55 mg/dL reduced major cardiovascular events by ~33% vs. <70 mg/dL	Supports more aggressive LDL targets in secondary prevention	Read study
VESALIUS-CV	Primary prevention in high-risk diabetes (no known ASCVD)	Evolocumab reduced first major CV events vs. placebo; 89% were on lipid-lowering therapy	Supports earlier intensification of lipid-lowering therapy in high-risk primary prevention	Read study
CHAMPION-AF	Atrial fibrillation stroke prevention	Left atrial appendage closure was noninferior to NOAC therapy, with lower non–procedure-related bleeding	Supports device-based alternatives to long-term anticoagulation in select patients	Read study
PRO-TAVI	Structural heart / valve intervention	Deferring PCI until after TAVI was noninferior, with lower bleeding in older, high-risk patients	Supports deferring routine PCI in selected elderly TAVI patients	Read study
SMART-DECISION	Post-MI secondary prevention	Stopping beta-blockers at 1 year was noninferior to continuation in stable post-MI patients	Supports reassessing long-term beta-blocker use in select patients	Read study
GoFreshRx	Nutrition / lifestyle intervention	DASH-aligned grocery delivery improved BP and LDL-C vs. stipend plus basic guidance	Reinforces structured dietary intervention in CV risk reduction	Read study
THRIVE	Culturally tailored nutrition	Food-is-medicine program significantly lowered SBP vs. fresh produce alone	Highlights value of culturally responsive prevention strategies	Read study
FAST III	Coronary physiology (PCI guidance)	vFFR was noninferior to wire-based FFR for clinical outcomes	Supports less invasive physiology-guided PCI strategies	Read Study
ALL-RISE	AI-guided coronary assessment	Angiography-derived FFR was noninferior to wire-based FFR for outcomes in PCI evaluation	Enables faster, less invasive physiology assessment in the cath lab	Read study
HI-PEITHO	Acute intermediate-risk pulmonary embolism	Catheter-directed fibrinolysis reduced adverse PE outcomes vs. anticoagulation alone	Supports selective use of catheter-based therapy in higher-risk PE patients	Read study

What This Means for Your Practice

Together, these studies reflect a broader shift in cardiology toward more individualized care and greater use of physiology- and data-driven decision-making.

Across prevention, intervention, and long-term management, clinicians are increasingly refining when and how therapies are used to better balance outcomes, safety, and patient quality of life.

Rather than isolated breakthroughs, ACC.26 points to a consistent direction: more precise risk reduction, more streamlined procedures, and deeper integration of pharmacologic and evidence-based care.

Advance Your Cardiology Career with Greater Flexibility

Our locum tenens cardiologists have the flexibility to work across a range of clinical settings — whether it be stepping into high-impact environments, caring for new patient populations, supporting evolving protocols, or gaining exposure to advanced and complex procedures.

With All Star, you can apply the latest research in real-world practice, broaden your clinical experience, and continue delivering high-quality care without compromise.

Missed us at ACC.26? You can still connect with our team — send us your CV to get started, or, check out our open cardiology opportunities nationwide. Plus, stay informed on the latest compensation trends with our Cardiologist Salary Guide.

by All Star Team

What Is Locum Tenens? Definition, Benefits, and How It Works

Locum tenens is a Latin phrase meaning “to hold the place,” used in medicine to describe physicians and advanced practice providers who temporarily fill clinical roles at hospitals, clinics, and healthcare facilities.

If you are a clinician exploring a more flexible career path, or a facility administrator evaluating staffing options, this guide explains what locum tenens is, how it works, who qualifies, what to expect financially, and how to get started.

What Does “Locum Tenens” Mean?

Locum tenens is the standard U.S. term for temporary medical staffing in which a licensed healthcare provider fills another provider’s role for a defined period. The phrase comes from Latin and translates directly as “to hold the place of.” In everyday conversation, providers and recruiters shorten it to “locum” (plural: locums). The term appears almost exclusively in medical contexts in the United States, though it also surfaces occasionally in clergy and law.

Term	Meaning
Locum	Short form; used casually and standardly in the UK and Canada
Locum tenens	Full Latin phrase; the standard term in U.S. healthcare staffing
Locums	Informal plural; used interchangeably in everyday speech
Temporary physician	Plain-language synonym; used in facility communications and job postings

How Does Locum Tenens Work?

Locum tenens works through a structured process involving three parties: the healthcare facility with a staffing need, the staffing agency that coordinates the placement, and the licensed provider who fills the role. The agency serves as the operational backbone, matching credentialed providers to open assignments, managing logistics, and ensuring both sides are supported throughout the engagement.

The Role of a Locum Tenens Staffing Agency

Facilities contact agencies when a staffing gap opens, whether from a leave of absence, a surge in patient volume, or an unfilled permanent position. The agency then matches qualified, credentialed providers to that opening based on specialty, geography, availability, and facility requirements.

Critically, the facility pays the agency, not the provider directly. The agency’s compensation is built into the arrangement, so there is no fee charged to the physician. A good agency takes the time to understand what matters most to you before presenting an assignment: your specialty, preferred geography, call tolerance, schedule preferences, and career goals. That conversation should happen before any paperwork is signed.

All Star Healthcare Solutions places all provider types, including MDs, DOs, Nurse Practitioners (NPs), Physician Assistants (PAs), and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), nationwide across all 50 states, more than 150 hospital systems, and more than 1,600 healthcare facilities. To learn more about how the placement process works end-to-end, visit how the locum tenens placement process works.

Typical Assignment Types and Durations

Locum tenens assignments range from a single day of coverage to multi-year arrangements at the same facility. The structure depends on the facility’s need and the provider’s availability.

Assignment Type	Typical Duration	Common Reason
Short-term	Days to a few weeks	Vacation cover, sick leave, emergency gap
Medium-term	1–6 months	Maternity leave, open permanent recruitment
Long-term	6+ months (ongoing)	Extended vacancy, rural site staffing, specialty access

Common settings include hospitals, outpatient clinics, urgent care centers, rural health centers and FQHCs, VA and military facilities, and telehealth or hybrid care environments.

Common Reasons Facilities Use Locum Tenens

Facilities turn to locum tenens for a wide range of situations. Covering physician absences, including maternity and paternity leave, medical leave, and sabbaticals, is the most common reason. Other frequent drivers include managing seasonal census spikes or episodic demand surges, staffing rural and underserved sites without sufficient volume for a full-time hire, filling specialty coverage gaps in high-demand fields like gastroenterology, cardiology, surgery, and anesthesia, and bridging staffing gaps while a permanent search is underway. Some facilities also bring in locum physicians to support training and transition during EMR migrations or major workflow changes.

A Brief History of Locum Tenens in the U.S.

The modern locum tenens staffing model traces to 1979, when early staffing pioneers, including Dr. Therus Kolff, began formalizing the practice to address physician shortages in rural America. What started as a patchwork solution to coverage gaps in underserved communities grew steadily into a mainstream workforce strategy used by healthcare systems of every size.

Today, 90% of healthcare facilities rely on locum tenens providers, and with this growth, the National Association of Locum Tenens Organizations (NALTO) was established to set ethical and professional standards for staffing agencies operating in this space.

Who Can Be a Locum Tenens Provider?

Any licensed physician or advanced practice provider who meets facility and agency credentialing requirements is eligible for locum tenens work. The model is not limited to MDs or DOs. Demand for NPs, PAs, and CRNAs has grown significantly over the past decade, particularly in rural, primary care, and procedural settings.

Eligibility and Credentials

The baseline requirements for locum tenens work include a medical degree (MD or DO) and completed residency, or the equivalent for NPs, PAs, and CRNAs, along with active, unrestricted state medical licensure. Providers with licenses in multiple states or participation in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) have a broader pool of assignments available to them. Current DEA registration (where applicable), board certification, and a clean malpractice history are also standard requirements. Each facility will conduct its own credentialing and privileging process, called primary source verification, before any assignment begins.

Typical Locum Clinician Profiles

The locum tenens model attracts clinicians at many different career stages. Near-retirement physicians often choose locum work for a flexible, part-time schedule that keeps them clinically active on their own terms. Early-career clinicians use locum assignments to explore different specialties, care systems, and geographies before committing to a permanent role. Subspecialists provide short-term coverage for rare or high-demand skills. Clinicians in transition, including those relocating, between permanent roles, or post-fellowship, use locum work to maintain income and clinical activity during a pivot. Parents, researchers, and educators who need scheduling flexibility alongside their clinical work also represent a growing share of the locum workforce.

Benefits of Locum Tenens Work

Locum tenens offers a combination of financial, clinical, and lifestyle advantages that a traditional permanent position rarely provides. The most frequently cited benefits include:

Schedule flexibility — you choose when, where, and how often you work
Geographic freedom — test communities, systems, and settings before committing permanently
Varied clinical experience — diverse patient populations, EMRs, and care models build clinical breadth
Higher hourly rates — locum rates are typically above permanent equivalent to offset the absence of employer benefits
Reduced administrative burden — no hiring, billing, inventory management, or office politics
Career exploration — many locum roles convert to permanent offers, making it a genuine “try before you buy” arrangement
Networking — working across multiple systems builds relationships that often lead to long-term opportunities

The flexibility benefit deserves particular emphasis. Unlike a permanent role, which typically requires months of notice and involves complex contract obligations to modify, a locum tenens arrangement is designed around your availability. You can work a few shifts a month alongside a permanent role, take a full year of continuous locum assignments, or anything in between. That level of control over your own schedule is rare in clinical medicine.

Drawbacks and Financial Considerations

Locum tenens offers real advantages, but it also comes with trade-offs that deserve honest consideration before you make any career decisions. The providers who thrive in locum work tend to be those who go in with eyes open.

Income Variability and Gaps Between Assignments

For providers doing locum work alongside a permanent position, which describes the majority of locum clinicians, income variability is a limited concern. For those practicing full-time locum tenens, it deserves careful planning.

Contract work means there is no guaranteed salary. Gaps between assignments are unpaid, and short-notice cancellations do happen. Before transitioning to full-time locum work, most experienced locum physicians recommend maintaining a three-to-six-month emergency fund to cover personal expenses during slow periods.

Working with multiple agencies simultaneously reduces gap risk. If one agency’s pipeline slows, another may have immediate openings. When negotiating rates, factor in unpaid travel days as part of your total compensation calculus.

Benefits You Will Need to Self-Fund

As a 1099 independent contractor, you are responsible for sourcing your own benefits package. That means:

Health insurance: No employer-sponsored health, dental, or vision. Source via the ACA marketplace, professional association plans, or a spouse’s employer plan.
Retirement: No employer match. Consider a SEP-IRA, Solo 401(k), or similar self-employed retirement vehicle.
Disability insurance: Particularly important given income variability. Must be purchased independently; do not delay this one.

Taxes as an Independent Contractor

Most locum physicians are paid as independent contractors and receive 1099 income rather than W-2 wages. This means you are responsible for self-employment tax (approximately 15.3%) in addition to federal and state income tax. The trade-off is a meaningful set of deductible business expenses: licensing fees, CME, professional memberships, home office costs, and travel related to work can all reduce your taxable income. Working with a CPA who specializes in locum physician finances is one of the highest-ROI professional investments you can make.

Note: The above is general financial information, not tax advice. Consult a qualified tax professional regarding your specific situation.

Pro	Con
Schedule flexibility — choose when and where you work	No guaranteed salary; income gaps between assignments are unpaid
Higher hourly rates than permanent equivalent	Must self-fund health, dental, disability, and retirement coverage
Geographic freedom — work in any of all 50 states	Self-employment tax (~15.3%) on top of federal and state income tax
Reduced administrative burden (no billing, staff management)	Credentialing takes 4–12+ weeks before each new facility
Diverse clinical experience across settings, EMRs, and patient populations	No employer-sponsored CME, DEA renewals, or licensing fee coverage
“Try before you buy” — explore specialties and regions before committing	Potential tail insurance cost if agency uses a claims-made malpractice policy

Note: Agency-sponsored licensing coverage varies by firm. All Star Healthcare Solutions covers licensing costs as part of the assignment.

Understanding Your Locum Tenens Contract

Your locum tenens contract defines the terms of your assignment and your relationship with the agency. Read it carefully. For high-value, long-term, or complex contracts, independent legal review is worth the cost.

Your Recruiter’s Role in the Process

The staffing agency is paid by the facility, which creates a potential misalignment of interests worth understanding. In practice, a reputable agency’s long-term incentive is a successful, lasting placement, not a quick transaction. Know who your primary contact is for scheduling changes, pay disputes, and housing issues before your assignment begins. Your recruiter should be reachable throughout the assignment, not just during the placement phase.

Key Contract Terms to Review

Before signing any locum tenens contract, confirm the following:

Scope of duties, schedule, and site(s) covered — be specific; vague scope creates friction later
Hourly rate, call stipends, overtime, and holiday rates — confirm whether call pay is included or separate
Out clause: The notice period required to end the assignment early, from either side
Restrictive covenants: Noncompete and nonsolicitation clauses are negotiable — pay close attention to geographic scope and duration
Credentialing contingencies and start-date flexibility provisions — delays are common; build in buffer time

Should You Become a Locum? A Quick Fit Check

Deciding whether locum tenens is right for you comes down to a clear-eyed look at your financial situation, career goals, and personal priorities. The table below is a useful starting point.

Locum Tenens May Be Right for You If…	Locum Tenens May Not Be Right If…
You value schedule flexibility over income predictability	You need a consistent paycheck and employer benefits immediately
You adapt quickly to new clinical settings, teams, and EMRs	You’re settling into a community and want long-term stability
You want to explore specialties or geographies before committing	You prefer deep, longitudinal patient relationships
You’re financially prepared to self-fund benefits and manage quarterly taxes	You’re not yet financially prepared to handle gaps between assignments

If the left column describes you better than the right, locum tenens is worth exploring seriously. Here is how to get started:

Ensure your CV, licenses, DEA registration, and board certifications are current and ready to submit.
Register with two to three reputable agencies and evaluate them on support quality, specialty expertise, and geographic reach, not solely on compensation offers.
Plan for four to twelve or more weeks of credentialing before your first shift. Start the process early; delays are common and often outside anyone’s control.
Begin with shorter, local assignments to experience the logistics and pace of locum work before committing to long-distance or extended placements.

Whether you are exploring locum tenens for the first time or ready to find your next assignment, All Star Healthcare Solutions is here to guide you through every step of the process.

How All Star Healthcare Solutions Supports Your Locum Journey

Choosing the right staffing agency matters as much as choosing the right assignment. The agency you work with shapes your credentialing experience, your day-to-day support during an assignment, and your long-term career trajectory.

All Star’s service philosophy is built around genuine care for the providers and facilities it works with, anticipating needs before you have to ask and following through consistently. Whether you are scheduling your first locum tenens assignment or your fiftieth, All Star is built to support your career, not just fill your calendar. Explore locum tenens specialties we place to see if your specialty is represented.

Locum Tenens Quick Reference

Term	What It Means	Key Detail
Locum tenens	A healthcare provider who temporarily fills another provider’s role	Latin for “to hold the place.” Standard term in U.S. healthcare.
Locum	Informal short form of “locum tenens”	Standard in the UK and Canada; used casually in the U.S.
Staffing agency	Connects providers to temporary assignments and manages logistics	Handles credentialing, travel, housing, malpractice coverage, and billing
Credentialing	Facility verification of a provider’s licenses, training, and qualifications	Required before every new assignment; typically takes 4–12+ weeks
Independent contractor	The employment and tax status of most locum physicians	Means 1099 income, self-employment tax, and self-funded benefits
Tail coverage	Extended malpractice reporting period after a claims-made policy ends	Confirm in writing whether your agency covers the cost
NALTO	National Association of Locum Tenens Organizations	Sets ethical and professional standards — All Star Healthcare Solutions is a NALTO member

by All Star Team

Salary Guide: Hematologist and Oncologist

Hematologist & Oncologist Salary Guide

Oncology currently holds the distinction of being the most in-demand medical specialty nationwide, creating exceptional opportunities for both new graduates and experienced physicians seeking flexible assignments or permanent roles. Whether you prioritize schedule control, geographic exploration, or maximizing compensation, hematology-oncology offers compelling career paths.

Quick Facts: Hematologist-Oncologist Compensation 2026

Permanent Salary Range: $421,000 – $588,000

National Median: $469,000

Locum Tenens Annual (Full-Time Equivalent): $808,000 - $832,000

Hematologist-Oncologist Salary Overview

Compensation for hematologist-oncologists varies significantly based on experience level, geographic location, practice setting, and whether the position is permanent or locum tenens. The specialty encompasses both blood disorders and cancer treatment, requiring fellowship training beyond internal medicine residency. This dual expertise commands premium compensation across all employment models. The following sections break down how these factors influence earning potential for providers at every career stage.

Compensation by experience level

Hematologist-oncologist compensation increases 25-47% from early career to senior levels, with earnings ranging from $400,000 for new graduates to $588,000+ for experienced physicians. Career stage significantly impacts earnings, with compensation increasing substantially from fellowship completion through senior practice years.

Annual Oncologist Salary by Experience Level

Early Career

(0-3 Years) Building patient panel; signing bonuses common

$400,000 - $490,000

Mid-Career

(4-9 Years) Established expertise; leadership roles emerging

$469,000 - $520,000

Senior

(10+ Years) Peak earnings; subspecialty premium

$502,000 - $588,000

Locum tenens positions often enable earlier access to higher compensation tiers, as healthcare facilities and cancer centers pay premium rates regardless of career stage when facing urgent coverage needs.

Top-paying regions for Hematologist-Oncologists

The Midwest, South Dakota/Montana, and California/New York offer the highest hematologist-oncologist compensation, with salaries reaching $520,000-$600,000+ in rural premium markets. Geographic location significantly influences compensation, with rural and underserved areas frequently offering 15-25% premiums to attract qualified specialists, while metropolitan markets provide higher base salaries offset by increased cost of living.

Hematologist-Oncologist Compensation by Region/State (Top Markets)

Region/State

Salary Range

Key Factors

Midwest

$480,000 - $550,000

31% of locum openings; lower cost of living

South Dakota / Montana

$520,000 - $600,000+

Rural premium; provider shortage

California / New York

$500,000 - $575,000

High base; offset by cost of living

Southeast

$450,000 - $520,000

Growing demand; aging population

All Star Healthcare Solutions connects Hematologist-Oncologists with opportunities nationwide, from academic medical centers in major metros to community cancer programs in underserved regions seeking dedicated specialists.

Maximize your earning potential with locum tenens.

Submit Your CV

Compensation by practice setting

Private practice Hematologist-Oncologists earn the highest compensation ($480,000-$600,000+), followed by hospital-employed positions ($450,000-$520,000), community cancer centers ($460,000-$540,000), and academic medical centers ($380,000-$480,000). Practice environment influences both compensation structure and total earning potential beyond base salary.

Academic Medical Centers: Compensation ranges from $380,000 to $480,000 annually, often including protected research time, teaching responsibilities, and access to clinical trials.

Hospital-Employed Positions: Salaries fall between $450,000 and $520,000 annually with productivity bonuses tied to wRVU targets and signing bonuses averaging $50,000 to $100,000.

Private Practice/Physician Groups: Earnings range from $480,000 to $600,000+ with potential for partnership equity, though physicians assume greater business risk and administrative responsibilities.

Community Cancer Centers: Salaries of $460,000 to $540,000 combined with lower cost-of-living areas often yield strong purchasing power and manageable patient volumes.

Key Factors Affecting Hematologist-Oncologist Compensation

Beyond experience level, location, and practice setting, several factors significantly impact hematologist-oncologist earnings. Understanding these elements empowers providers to maximize compensation and negotiate effectively for both permanent and locum tenens positions.

Education and subspecialty training

Hematology-oncology requires completion of internal medicine residency followed by a three-year fellowship. Additional subspecialty training can further increase earning potential.

Subspecialty Focus	Average Annual Compensation
Radiation Oncology	$588,678
Medical Oncology	$502,465
Hematology-Oncology (Combined)	$469,000 - $496,000
Gynecologic Oncology	$420,000+
Hematology (Non-Malignant)	$421,482
Pediatric Hematology-Oncology	$250,000 - $350,000

Board certification in Hematology, Medical Oncology, or both increases marketability and typically commands 5-10% higher compensation. Hematologist-Oncologist bone marrow transplant expertise and clinical trial experience also enhance earning potential.

Practice structure and workload

Call Requirements: Hematology-oncology positions with inpatient call responsibilities typically offer 10-20% higher compensation than outpatient-only roles.

Patient Volume and wRVU Targets: Productivity-based compensation models tie hematologist-oncologist earnings directly to work relative value units. High-volume oncology practices may offer base salary plus incentives that significantly increase total compensation for efficient providers.

Procedure Mix: Oncologists performing bone marrow biopsies, lumbar punctures for intrathecal chemotherapy, and other procedures generate additional revenue. Hematology-oncology practices with robust infusion centers may offer higher compensation reflecting procedural revenue streams.

Market demand and specialty outlook

Hematology-oncology ranks as the most in-demand medical specialty nationwide, with starting salaries increasing 10%+ annually. This high demand is driven by rising cancer diagnoses, an aging population, and limited fellowship training capacity relative to clinical need.

Starting Salary Trajectory: Average starting salaries for hematologist-oncologists reached $490,000 in 2025, representing a 10%+ increase from the prior year and exceeding growth in most other specialties.

All Star Advantage

Competitive compensation matters, but it represents just one component of career satisfaction. At All Star Healthcare Solutions, we partner with hematologist-oncologists to maximize not just earning potential, but overall career fulfillment through our comprehensive support and signature “Red Carpet” Service. With decades of experience connecting oncology specialists to opportunities nationwide, we understand what matters most to you. All Star Healthcare Solutions supports hematologist-oncologist success through four key areas:

Expert compensation negotiation

Our consultants understand hematology-oncology market rates across all 50 states and practice settings. We negotiate on your behalf to secure competitive compensation while explaining the full value of benefits packages—including base salary, productivity bonuses, signing incentives, and malpractice coverage. You focus on clinical fit while we handle financial details.

Streamlined credentialing and licensing

Oncology credentialing involves complex verification of fellowship training, board certifications, and hospital privileges. Our dedicated credentialing team manages this process end-to-end, reducing your administrative burden and accelerating time to start. We also support multi-state licensing for providers interested in assignments across different regions, including guidance on Interstate Medical Licensure Compact participation.

Flexible assignment matching

Every Hematologist-Oncologist has unique priorities. Some seek short-term assignments to explore new practice environments before committing permanently. Others prefer long-term locum positions offering schedule predictability. We match your preferences for location, duration, patient population, and practice type to opportunities that align with your career goals and lifestyle needs.

24/7 dedicated consultant support

Your assigned consultant serves as your advocate throughout every assignment. From addressing housing and travel logistics to resolving practice concerns, we provide responsive support whenever you need it. This relationship-driven approach means you always have a knowledgeable partner who understands your preferences and career trajectory.

Ready to Explore Hematology-Oncology Opportunities?

Whether you are considering locum tenens for the first time or seeking your next assignment, All Star Healthcare Solutions is here to guide you. Our consultants specialize in oncology placements and understand the unique considerations of this demanding specialty.

With opportunities nationwide, from academic cancer centers to community oncology practices, we match you with positions that align with your compensation goals, lifestyle preferences, and clinical interests. Connect with us today to discuss your options.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hematologist-Oncologist Salaries

Hematologist-oncologists earn a median salary of approximately $469,000 annually, with averages ranging from $421,000 to $502,000 depending on subspecialty focus. Permanent positions typically include benefits worth an additional 20-30% of base salary. Compensation varies significantly based on experience level, geographic location, and practice setting, with academic positions generally paying less than private practice or hospital-employed roles.

Geographic location and practice setting have the greatest impact on hematologist-oncologist compensation. Rural and underserved areas typically offer 15-25% higher salaries than metropolitan markets to attract specialists. Years of experience, subspecialty training, board certification status, and willingness to take call also significantly affect earnings. Productivity-based compensation models can substantially increase income for efficient providers.

Yes. Oncology currently ranks as the most in-demand medical specialty in the United States based on job openings relative to available physicians. Rising cancer diagnoses driven by an aging population, combined with limited fellowship training positions, create persistent demand.

Locum tenens compensation extends beyond hourly rates to include malpractice insurance coverage, state licensing support, travel expenses, and housing accommodations. Many agencies also provide health insurance options, retirement plan access, and CME allowances. All Star Healthcare Solutions handles these logistics through our “Red Carpet Service, allowing you to focus on patient care rather than administrative details.

Early-career Hematologist-Oncologists typically earn 15-25% less than experienced colleagues, though the early-career compensation gap narrows in locum tenens work where facilities pay based on coverage needs rather than career stage.

Maximizing hematologist-oncologist compensation involves strategic decisions about subspecialty focus, geographic flexibility, and employment model. Providers willing to work in underserved areas or take call responsibilities command premium rates. Maintaining board certification and pursuing additional subspecialty training increases marketability. Many hematologist-oncologists supplement employed positions with locum tenens shifts. All Star Healthcare consultants help you evaluate total compensation packages and identify opportunities aligned with your financial goals.

Data Sources Cited

by All Star Team

10 Cardiologist-Approved Things to Do in New Orleans During ACC.26

From March 28–30, 2026, thousands of cardiovascular professionals — along with the All Star team — will gather in New Orleans for the American College of Cardiology Annual Scientific Session (ACC.26): three energizing days of breakthrough research, clinical insight, and conversations shaping the future of cardiovascular care.

The science is world-class.
And the city is, too.

Step outside the conference hall and you’re just moments away from live jazz, legendary food, and enough culture to make anyone’s heart skip a beat (in the good way).

Heart-Healthy Picks

1. Run the Lafitte Greenway

Flat, scenic, and just the right distance, this 2.6-mile linear park and trail connecting the French Quarter to City Park is perfect for getting your own cardiovascular system moving before a full day of sessions.

2. Bike the Mississippi River Trail

Rent a bike and cruise along the Mississippi River levee path for sweeping river views and iconic NOLA scenery. Continue toward Crescent Park for skyline photo ops and a breezy ride that’s both a workout and a sightseeing tour.

3. Explore City Park & the Sculpture Garden

The New Orleans Museum of Art’s Besthoff Sculpture Garden inside City Park offers miles of stunning walking paths surrounded by art and greenery. Low-impact movement + stress reduction = a cardiologist-approved daily dose of preventive medicine.

City Park Sculpture Garden

Heart-Racing Experiences

4. Beignets at Café du Monde

An institution since 1862, Café du Monde is famous for its powdered-sugar-covered beignets. Will they spike your glucose? Perhaps. Will they make your heart happy? Absolutely.

5. Live Jazz on Frenchmen Street

After a productive day at ACC.26, head to Frenchmen Street to enjoy a different kind of rhythm. Step into a jazz club like The Spotted Cat to feel the pulse of live brass and unwind, New Orleans–style.

6. Take a French Quarter Ghost Tour

A little adrenaline between sessions never hurt anyone. Wander lantern-lit streets along Royal Street and pass the storied tombs of St. Louis Cemetery No. 1 as guides share tales of the city’s haunted past. It’s history, mystery, and just enough heart-rate spikes to keep things interesting.

7. Tour Mardi Gras World

Go behind the scenes of the city’s iconic parades at Mardi Gras World. Colorful floats, larger-than-life props, and plenty of steps logged along the way.

Café du Monde

Heartwarming Moments

8. Sunset at Woldenberg Park

Located along the Mississippi River, Woldenberg Park is the perfect place to unwind after a full day of learning and connecting. Watch the river traffic roll by and let your parasympathetic nervous system clock in for the evening.

9. Explore Audubon Zoo

The Audubon Zoo, with its lush landscapes and top-ranked exhibits, is a guaranteed win, especially if you’re traveling with family. Fresh air, wildlife, and an easy stroll? Not a bad way to spend time in NOLA.

10. Steamboat Natchez River Cruise

Step aboard the historic Steamboat Natchez for a classic river cruise with live jazz and skyline views. Equal parts history, music, and relaxation, this is the perfect pastime for the soul and, arguably, the heart.

Natchez River Cruise

Whether you’re prioritizing healthy habits, seeking a little adrenaline, or simply soaking in the culture, New Orleans offers something for every kind of cardiologist.

And while you're mapping out your time in the city, make sure to plan a special stop inside the conference hall, too. Visit All Star Healthcare Solutions at booth #2457 during ACC.26 — we’d love to connect, talk locum tenens cardiology opportunities, or swap NOLA recommendations.

If this conference has you thinking about what’s next, browse our current cardiology openings to explore new opportunities nationwide. And for a deeper look at compensation trends, download All Star’s 2026 Cardiologist Salary Guide to see what cardiologists are earning right now.

by All Star Team

Anesthesiologist Salary Guide

Quick Facts: Anesthesiologist Compensation 2026

Average annual salary: $400,000 – $525,000

Highest-paying subspecialty: Cardiac Anesthesiology ($590,000 – $595,000)

Top-paying states/regions: California, New York, Washington, Texas, Florida

Anesthesiologist Salary Overview

Anesthesiologist compensation varies based on subspecialty training, practice setting, geographic location, and years of experience. Across the United States, anesthesiologists remain among the highest-paid medical providers, reflecting both the technical complexity of perioperative care and the critical role anesthesiologists play in surgical outcomes, pain management, and critical care medicine.

Subspecialty-trained anesthesiologists, particularly those with cardiac, critical care, or regional anesthesia fellowships, typically command compensation at the higher end of salary ranges due to procedural complexity, call requirements, and advanced technical expertise. This section breaks down how experience level, geographic region, and practice setting influence earning potential for both permanent and locum tenens anesthesiologist positions.

By Experience Level

Anesthesiologist compensation increases 40-70% from early career to experienced levels, with earnings ranging from $320,000 for new graduates to $550,000+ for experienced anesthesiologists. Experience impacts compensation as you build procedural proficiency, develop expertise in complex cases, and demonstrate reliability in high-acuity settings.