National Locum Tenens Week 2021: Honoring Providers for Delivering Vital Healthcare in Year Two of the Covid-19 Pandemic
The National Association of Locum Tenens Organizations (NALTO®) reserves the second week in August to shine a spotlight on locum tenens physicians and honor them for their valuable contributions to the medical field. This year, we celebrate National Locum Tenens Week from August 9-13, 2021.
(Please scroll to the end to watch a video tribute to our providers from our Interim Physicians physician recruiters.) As the United States continues to work through a second pandemic year, COVID-19 has heightened physician burnout and placed increased demand on an already tapped physician workforce. The Association of American Medical Colleges’ report on physician supply and demand utilized pre-pandemic data to predict a shortage of 21,400-55,200 primary care physicians by 2033, as well as a shortage of non-primary care specialists between 33,700-86,700. Short- and long-term consequences from the pandemic are suspected to drastically increase these numbers. For many industries, the ‘new normal’ of March 2020 introduced remote working and increased schedule flexibility. In the healthcare community, medical providers donned PPE; quarantined away from their families; worked multiple shifts to compensate for sick or furloughed coworkers; forfeited vacation time; and placed themselves directly in harm’s way to care for their patients. That level of bravery and self-sacrifice is unparalleled. As hospitals and health systems reeled from the financial impact of canceled elective surgeries and a swell in demand for emergency physicians and internists, locum tenens providers expedited medical licenses and crisscrossed the nation to close gaping schedule holes. They have served a crucial role in the pandemic. In fact, 71% of locum tenens physicians, nurse practitioners (NPs), physician assistants (PAs), and certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), have treated COVID-19 patients. Instead of limiting their shifts or taking time off when the world shut down, 73% of locum tenens physicians either maintained the same number of locum assignments worked or increased the number of assignments to help fill facility gaps. “Our locum tenens providers deliver healthcare where none may exist at all,” said Tim Hand, CEO of Interim Physicians. “These caring, talented professionals very well may be the difference in whether a rural facility’s doors stay open or a metro facility’s schedule stays full. They are an integral part of the healthcare ecosystem, and they deserve the recognition and respect we give them this week and every week.” Interim Physicians would like to extend a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to our locum tenens physicians, PAs, and NPs for providing lifesaving care. Without you, we would not be able to fulfill our mission of delivering quality healthcare to help hospitals and health centers reduce critical staffing gaps across the nation.
"Interim Physicians is great to work with. My recruiter is effective, efficient, and polite. My questions are always answered - even on nights or weekends! The credentialing department is efficient and always willing to help."
Dr. Melina B.
Internal Medicine
"My account executive always provides prompt resolutions and connects me with quality locum providers."
Denise G.
Senior Practice Administrator
"Once, a client completely backed out of an assignment. My recruiter apologized profusely (although it was not his fault). Then, he put in tons of effort and secured me another job in the blink of an eye. I was surprised, impressed, and grateful!"
Dr. Kamal P.
Psychiatry
"Interim always provides thoroughly vetted candidates. The entire company works hard to deliver the best service and meet short deadlines. Their diligent work hasn't stopped - even during the high demand of the pandemic!"
Hilary W.
Director of Physician Resources
"Interim secured me my first locum job out of residency! Their communication is great and they always advocate on my behalf. I'm very grateful for their continued support!"
Dr. Sara F.
Internal Medicine
"I will always work with Interim because my account executive is the most proficient locum representative I've ever had. He always sends the best candidates in a timely manner."
Kelsey W.
Physician Resources Specialist
"Interim always tries to make each assignment go smoothly. My recruiter does his best to accommodate my last minute requests and I'm so glad I work someone like him - thank you!"
For many industries, the ‘new normal’ of March 2020 introduced remote working and increased schedule flexibility. In the healthcare community, medical providers donned PPE; quarantined away from their families; worked multiple shifts to compensate for sick or furloughed coworkers; forfeited vacation time; and placed themselves directly in harm’s way to care for their patients. That level of bravery and self-sacrifice is unparalleled. As hospitals and health systems reeled from the financial impact of canceled elective surgeries and a swell in demand for emergency physicians and internists, locum tenens providers expedited medical licenses and crisscrossed the nation to close gaping schedule holes. They have served a crucial role in the pandemic. In fact, 71% of locum tenens physicians, nurse practitioners (NPs), physician assistants (PAs), and certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), have treated COVID-19 patients. Instead of limiting their shifts or taking time off when the world shut down, 73% of locum tenens physicians either maintained the same number of locum assignments worked or increased the number of assignments to help fill facility gaps. “Our locum tenens providers deliver healthcare where none may exist at all,” said Tim Hand, CEO of Interim Physicians. “These caring, talented professionals very well may be the difference in whether a rural facility’s doors stay open or a metro facility’s schedule stays full. They are an integral part of the healthcare ecosystem, and they deserve the recognition and respect we give them this week and every week.” Interim Physicians would like to extend a heartfelt ‘thank you’ to our locum tenens physicians, PAs, and NPs for providing lifesaving care. Without you, we would not be able to fulfill our mission of delivering quality healthcare to help hospitals and health centers reduce critical staffing gaps across the nation.
