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Locum Tenens Reinforces Key Elements of a Career in Medicine for Both Women and Men
Each year, we celebrate Women in Medicine during the month of September, including shining a spotlight on their growing presence in healthcare. Between 2004 and 2022, the representation of women among actively practicing physicians increased by 26 percent, per the Association of American Medical Colleges.
When comparing on-the-job experiences between female and male medical professionals, research shows the genders have a lot in common when it comes to key indicators, such as residency match and career satisfaction. Another element male and female physicians and advanced practice providers (APPs) share? The benefits of locum tenens! Keep reading to learn how the career alternative enhances the positives of a career in medicine and helps balance out many of the challenges.
Equal Representation in Residency
According to the National Resident Matching Program, the split between women and men matched to residency programs in 2024, for all intents and purposes, was even: 49 percent female and 50 percent male.
The locum tenens advantage: Instead of settling into a long-term employment situation early on in their careers, individuals who work as locum tenens professionals right after residency continue to be exposed to practice nuances from a multitude of clinicians and gain first-hand perspectives on various settings, all while delivering compassionate care to people in need. What’s more, temporary assignments give young professionals an advantage when determining what elements add up to an ideal workplace for their first staff position.
Overall Satisfaction
In 2023, an American Medical Association (AMA) survey found that more than 70 percent of both women and men working in healthcare expressed overall satisfaction with their professional lives. Setting and pursuing new goals is one way to keep that sense of fulfillment alive.
The locum tenens advantage: Short-term contracts in various facilities and communities present an array of experiences that can serve as guideposts to identify new objectives and possibilities to reinvest in one’s career. Providers curious about making a job change and/or permanent relocation can use locums jobs to conduct real-time assessments of clinical settings and possible hometowns. Practicing in communities designated as healthcare deserts, where demand for medical services outweighs provider ranks, offers a chance to make an impact. Temporary positions also enable physicians and APPs to work in specific types of settings to expand their CVs as well as find mentors.
Burnout Prevention
A significant portion of providers still express experiencing burnout: 57 percent of women and 47 percent of men per the AMA. The good news is some surveys show the percentage of physicians and APPs self-reporting symptoms of burnout has dropped from the past few years. What hasn’t changed is the toll administrative tasks takes on their time and attention, which does differ between the genders. One study, for example, showed women spend 20 percent more time updating patient records compared with men.
The locum tenens advantage: Of course, patient documentation is an integral part of the job wherever providers practice, be it in hospitals, clinics, private practice groups, or other healthcare settings. For the most part, locum tenens assignments insulate them from many of the additional administrative duties (i.e., committee meetings) that take up bandwidth. Locums physicians and APPs cherish the chance to redirect more of their attention toward patient care. An added benefit: locums providers offer greater support for peers—their presence eases the demands on staff, thereby lessening their potential for burnout, too.
Time for family
According to Medscape’s Physician Lifestyle and Happiness report, men and women agree that “more personal and family” time is a very important priority. That said, a greater number of female respondents (76 percent) held that view compared with males (68 percent).
The pursuit of a better balance between work and life sometimes can be hard to define, partially because the formula is highly personalized. It could be fewer hours per week on shift and more time to attend kids’ school or sporting events. It could be blocking off several days or weeks to take a respite from work to focus on family or self. Plus, a person’s definition of work/life balance may shift and change with time.
The locum tenens advantage: Accepting temporary jobs adds flexibility into a work calendar. For example, carve out more room to accommodate personal commitments, such as using time between assignments to take family trips (or invite them to join you on assignment); enjoy a cluster of days off without the concern of a caseload backlog; or simply appreciate the opportunity to be present with loved ones without being on call or battling daily commutes.
Specialties Spotlight
Perhaps the biggest distinction between women and men pursuing medical careers is their choice of specialty. In 2024, the AMA reported women account for the majority of residents in obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, pediatric and adolescent psychiatry, dermatology, and allergy and immunology. Male residents represented the majority in orthopedic surgery, interventional and diagnostic radiology, neurological surgery, and urology.
The locum tenens advantage: All Star Healthcare Solutions not only places locum tenens providers in all specialties, but our consultants work within assigned medical specialties. They become well-versed in the particulars of facility qualifications, which is critical to making high-quality matches with providers.
These are just a few of the many benefits associated with locum tenens. If you are ready to explore your options, call All Star Healthcare Solutions today at 800-928-0229, or contact us online.
