1. Why Demand for Locum Tenens Has Skyrocketed in Recent Years

Locums has exploded in popularity recently, but why? Healthcare facilities are turning to locum tenens physicians to manage ongoing staffing shortages, fluctuating patient volumes, and increasing clinician burnout. These temporary providers help ensure continuity of care, especially during seasonal surges or unexpected absences, and are often placed through specialized staffing agencies.

Several factors are driving demand: a growing number of physician retirements, increased care needs in aging populations, and a desire among providers for more schedule flexibility. For many clinicians, locum work offers relief from burnout and a more sustainable work-life balance, while helping hospitals maintain adequate coverage.

While locum tenens solutions fill vital gaps, challenges remain, such as inconsistent pay and the logistics of integrating temporary staff. Still, with advancements in telehealth and digital staffing tools, locum tenens providers are expected to play an increasingly important role in supporting evolving care models and workforce needs.

(The Good Men Project, June 6)

2. How Physicians Can Build a Financial Plan That Works for Them

Most physicians don’t start building wealth at 25. With years of training, heavy student loans, and packed work schedules, the usual financial playbook doesn’t always apply. Even with strong income, managing cash flow and planning for the future can feel like a second full-time job. So what actually works? A plan built around how physicians live, not just what they earn. 

Physicians juggle irregular hours, multiple accounts, and shifting priorities. The most effective financial plans focus on six key elements: a clear structure, a flexible tax strategy, smart asset allocation, liquidity planning, goal alignment, and ongoing updates. When accounts are organized into a system that makes sense, it reduces stress and builds confidence. And when tax treatment is diversified, it gives physicians more freedom in retirement.

Liquidity matters too. From uneven income to major life changes, having access to cash helps keep things on track. The goal isn’t to follow a generic plan—your financial strategy should adapt to whatever comes next. Because the right plan doesn’t just protect your money, but gives you options.

(Medical Economics, June 11)

3. How To Handle Rising Malpractice Insurance Rates

Even with spotless records and no major lifestyle changes, many physicians are seeing their insurance premiums rise sharply. For some, costs have nearly doubled. Inflation, rising auto repair costs, and rebuilding expenses are prompting insurers to increase rates across the board. High earners, such as physicians, often bear the brunt of it, thanks to their larger liability exposure and the need for more comprehensive protection.

But there are ways to push back. Start by reviewing your homeowners, auto, and renters policies. Adjusting coverage limits, increasing deductibles, or bundling policies can help cut costs. Explore discounts specifically designed for high-income professionals, and consider home upgrades such as security systems or fire prevention tools that can reduce risk and lower premiums.

Umbrella insurance is also essential. A serious car accident or injury at home could lead to significant liability. Umbrella coverage adds a critical layer of protection beyond standard policy limits, helping shield your assets from unexpected legal expenses. Annual reviews keep your coverage aligned with your needs and your costs under control. The right protection should support your financial goals, not work against them.

(White Coat Investor, June 13)

4. AI Is Making Waves in Telemedicine

AI is becoming central to telemedicine, with 66% of physicians using it in 2024, which is up from 38% in 2023, according to the American Medical Association. These tools support virtual triage, diagnostics, imaging, and patient engagement, helping physicians manage chronic conditions more efficiently without requiring in-person visits.

Telehealth platforms are using AI for tasks like scheduling, multilingual communication, and real-time documentation. These tools reduce administrative workloads and support physicians in busy or understaffed settings, improving both care delivery and provider efficiency.

Despite the benefits, concerns remain about cost, data security, and over-reliance on automation. Still, as oversight strengthens and AI tools evolve, their role in telemedicine is expected to expand, offering clinicians practical support in delivering timely, virtual care.

(Tech Target, June 4)

5. How Medical Culture Lets Burnout Hide in Plain Sight

In medicine, keeping it together is everything. From training to practice, many physicians are taught to prioritize composure, independence, and efficiency. But those same strengths can make it harder to recognize burnout. It rarely looks like a breakdown. More often, it manifests as quiet detachment, slipping focus, or the sense that something is off without knowing why.

The stress is building, especially for younger clinicians. Millennials and Gen Z are reporting peak stress as early as age 25. Add high-pressure work, long hours, and limited space to talk about mental health, and the result is a lot of providers pushing through while feeling isolated. Despite more conversation around burnout, the cultural norm of stoicism hasn’t gone anywhere. Many still chalk up the warning signs to a bad week or just another tough shift.

Real change starts with noticing. It doesn’t take a dramatic overhaul. A direct conversation with a supervisor, setting new boundaries, or picking up a hobby again can all help. For locum tenens physicians, flexibility is a built-in advantage. The ability to reset, reassess, and work on your own terms offers a powerful chance to reconnect with what matters most. Acknowledging burnout isn’t weakness. It’s how you stay in the game.

(Kevin MD, June 7)

6. The Pitt’s Noah Wyle Speaks Out About Physician Burnout

Noah Wyle may have played a doctor on TV, but now he’s advocating for the real ones. Since starring in The Pitt, Wyle has heard from clinicians who say the show mirrors their reality of compassionate care weighed down by exhaustion and red tape. Partnering with medical apparel company FIGS, Wyle joined 18 healthcare professionals in Washington, D.C., to advocate for lawmakers on three major issues: burnout, administrative overload, and financial stress.

At the top of their list is reauthorizing the Dr. Lorna Breen Health Care Provider Protection Act. The law, first passed in 2022, funded peer support and mental health programs for healthcare workers but expired in 2024. Wyle and the FIGS team also spotlighted how prior authorization delays are tying physicians’ hands and putting patients at risk. Insurance roadblocks aren’t just frustrating, but potentially dangerous.

The group also raised concerns about money. Wyle shared stories of residents and nurses stretched thin and paid too little. FIGS is now backing the proposed Awesome Humans Act, which would offer tax relief for frontline workers. Wyle says this isn’t about politics. It’s about protecting the people who keep healthcare running. When doctors and nurses are supported, patient care gets better for everyone.

(USA Today, June 10)

7. Concerns Growing Over Medicaid Cuts’ Impact on Rural Healthcare

Rural hospitals are already running lean. Add proposed Medicaid cuts to the mix, and many could be pushed past their limits. In places like Adams County, Wisconsin, there’s only one primary care physician for every 10,000 patients. At Gundersen Moundview Hospital, more than 70% of patients rely on Medicare or Medicaid for their healthcare coverage. For facilities like this, any funding reduction poses a threat to core operations.

If the legislation passes, nearly 11 million more people could lose coverage by 2034. In Wisconsin, hospitals would be locked into Medicaid payments that cover just 74% of treatment costs. The National Rural Health Association warns this could be devastating for communities where Medicaid already doesn’t cover the full cost of care. Healthcare leaders across the state are urging Congress to address the gap before it widens.

For locum tenens physicians and the hospitals that rely on them, the effects could be significant. Cuts may delay hiring, reduce services, and further strain coverage. Safety net facilities require stable and fair reimbursement to maintain accessible care and a strong staff. Without it, rural communities risk losing more than funding—they risk losing care altogether.

(WKOW, June 4)

8. What Locum Physicians Need To Know About Potential IRS Tax Changes

Working locum tenens means greater flexibility, but it also means managing your business, including taxes. With IRS rules changing for third-party payments in 2025, it’s more important than ever to understand how income is tracked and reported. Staying informed now can help you avoid surprises and stay focused on patient care.

Starting in 2025, locum tenens physicians may receive Form 1099-K if they’re paid over $2,500 through platforms like PayPal or Venmo, which is common with reimbursements or direct payments from clients. This is separate from the standard 1099-NEC issued for direct deposits or checks. With the threshold set to drop to $600 in 2026, tracking how income is received and keeping accurate records is critical.

As 1099 contractors, physicians are responsible for both income and self-employment taxes, totaling about 15%. Setting aside 25% to 30% of earnings, making quarterly payments, and leveraging business deductions, such as home office, vehicle expenses, and unreimbursed costs, can ease the burden. A tax professional who understands locum work can help navigate multi-state filings, identify eligible deductions, and reduce tax liability.

(June 5, The Doctor’s CPA)