First celebrated in 1987, the American Academy of Physician Assistants established PA Week to honor the profession and raise awareness of its positive influence. October 6 was chosen to mark the birthday of Dr. Eugene A. Stead, Jr., who founded the first PA program at Duke University in 1965.

In locum tenens roles, PAs bring speed, adaptability, and consistency to hospitals and clinics that can’t afford to wait. Across specialties and settings, these clinicians are helping stabilize care during an era of real shortages, not theoretical ones.

Locum PAs Are Filling High-Priority Care Gaps

When it comes to closing care gaps, PAs aren’t simply supporting physicians; they’re often leading the way. In emergency medicine, primary care, behavioral health, and surgical settings, they manage patient loads, run clinics, and keep teams on track.

Workforce data backs up the urgency. The AAMC projects a physician shortage of up to 86,000 by 2036. Additionally, nearly 20% of current physicians are at or near retirement age. In rural areas, losing just one doctor can mean that patients lose access to healthcare altogether.

This is where locum tenens PAs make a big difference.

Locum tenens physician associates (their preferred moniker) bring clinical expertise and immediate availability to facilities under pressure. In many cases, they’re the first, or only, clinician available when permanent coverage falls through. They manage follow-up visits, coordinate chronic care, assist in surgery, and provide patient education. This frees physicians to focus on high-acuity cases while reducing patient wait times and burnout risks for the rest of the team.

Policy is also catching up to their capabilities. In recent years, several states have revised their PA supervision laws, expanding the ability of PAs to practice independently or launch private clinics. As of 2025, at least 12 states allow PAs to own or co-own medical practices, with more legislation under review.

Demand for PAs is rising (and so is their reach)

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 20% job growth for physician associates from 2024 to 2034, well above the average across all professions. This rapid expansion reflects both their increasing role in care delivery and the potential to close critical staffing gaps. As their scope expands, more PAs are opting for locum tenens work due to its variety, autonomy, and immediate effect on patients.

This is especially visible in underserved communities. According to the National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants, nearly 23% of certified PAs work in health professional shortage areas, and many of them serve on a temporary or rotational basis.

These clinicians help stabilize care during staffing gaps, seasonal spikes, and long-term vacancies. Because they’re already licensed, credentialed, and often experienced across multiple care environments, they integrate fast and start seeing patients with minimal disruption.

Supporting Locum Tenens PAs This Week, And Every Week

At Interim Physicians, we’re proud to work with hundreds of exceptional locum PAs across the country. Their adaptability, clinical acumen, and patient-first focus make them indispensable in facilities of all sizes.

Interested in expanding your reach as a locum PA? Explore opportunities with Interim Physicians. We’ll match you with assignments that fit your expertise, preferences, and goals.