The American Academy of Physician Associates started the weeklong celebration in 1987 to honor the profession and highlight the difference PAs make. It begins on the birthday of Dr. Eugene A. Stead, Jr., who founded the first PA program at Duke University in 1965.

Locum tenens PAs bring speed, flexibility, and reliability to hospitals and clinics that can’t afford to wait. In a range of specialties and settings, they help stabilize care at a time when physician shortages are projected to persist for years to come.

How Locum PAs Are Closing Critical Care Gaps

PAs often play an important role in addressing staffing shortages. In emergency medicine, primary care, behavioral health, and surgery, they take on patient loads and help fill staffing needs.

Their support matters now more than ever. The AAMC projects a physician shortage of up to 86,000 by 2036, while the population 65 and older is expected to grow 34% by the same date. This is especially important in rural areas, where losing a single doctor can leave patients without access to care.

Locum tenens PAs offer clinical expertise and quick availability to facilities under pressure. When permanent coverage falls through, they can step in to help maintain continuity of care. Depending on the setting and specialty, they manage follow-up visits and chronic conditions, assist in surgery, and educate patients. Their support gives physicians more time to focus on high-acuity cases while helping reduce patient wait times and pressure on the broader care team.

Policy is keeping pace with their capabilities. In 2026, Virginia removed the practice agreement requirement for PAs with more than three years of practice, Maine did so for PAs with more than 4,000 clinical hours, and Kentucky expanded PA prescribing authority to include Schedule II medications.

The PA Licensure Compact has also grown to 29 states. Once it begins issuing privileges, expected in early to mid-2027, it could make it easier for locum PAs to practice across member states.

Demand for PAs Is Growing, and So Is Their Reach

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 21% job growth for PAs from 2025 to 2035, far above the average for all occupations. With more than 201,000 board-certified PAs at the end of 2025, up 6% from the year before, the profession is expanding to meet that need. As scope widens, more are choosing locum tenens for its variety, autonomy, and immediate impact on patients.

Underserved communities stand to benefit the most. NCCPA data shows around 24% of PAs provide care in Health Professional Shortage Areas or Medically Underserved Areas, and many do so on short-term or rotating assignments.

Locum PAs provide steady care during staffing gaps, seasonal surges, and long vacancies. Often experienced in multiple settings, they adapt quickly, and that adaptability is a hallmark of the profession. Around 53% of PAs have switched specialties at least once, and the median time to feel proficient in a new area is only six months.

Thank You, Locum PAs, This Week and Every Week

At Interim Physicians, we’re proud to work with hundreds of exceptional locum PAs across the US. Their adaptability, clinical skill, 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.