After two decades in internal medicine, Dr. Mukesh Arora had built a thriving outpatient practice.
The challenge was that he was also rounding at the hospital, and as his patient panel grew, balancing both responsibilities became increasingly difficult.
After taking a hard look at what he wanted the next phase of his career to be, he decided on a hybrid locum tenens model that allowed him to continue seeing patients at his practice two and a half days each week.
The benefits became clear quickly. “Over time, locum tenens has become a very organized and rewarding part of my practice routine.”
Locum Tenens Offered the Flexibility He Needed
The transition gave him something he had been missing: control over how he practiced medicine.
“It became difficult to focus on both areas at the same time. I felt like I was spread thin.”
The pandemic was the tipping point. The demand for both hospital work and outpatient practice increased dramatically, making his already tight schedule even more difficult.
“This experience helped me realize that what I was doing was unsustainable, both for me and my patients. I needed a new model to make my career work, and I thought locums could be that next step for me.”
Dr. Arora knew that if he wanted to transition to a locums model that complemented his practice, he would need strong support from a staffing agency. While he had options, Interim Physicians stood out immediately.
“With Interim, I could tell they cared about my goals and were committed to helping me achieve them. I wasn’t just another number to them, and that really meant a lot.”
Building a Hybrid Career Work
Building a hybrid schedule that balanced locum assignments with his outpatient practice required careful planning. Throughout the process, his recruiter, Jackie Byrd, identified opportunities that aligned with his goals and introduced him to facilities that were a strong fit.
“We had a great personal connection right off the bat, and she helped me build a rapport with different hospitals.”
She connected him to assignments that complemented his outpatient schedule. As he built relationships, additional opportunities began coming directly to him. By late 2022, hospitals were reaching out to see if he was available for coverage.
“Jackie helped me build up my reputation. After that, it was easy to choose from a variety of assignments and pick the ones that best fit my schedule and plans.”
Now, the arrangement works on his terms. “For probably the last three years, 80% to 90% of my shifts have come directly to me, and then I send them back through Interim for paperwork and travel arrangements.”
His Advice for New Locums
Dr. Arora’s advice for new locums is to focus on teamwork. “I think I’ve been successful because I stay connected with teams, help where I can, and contribute to workflows.”
As for whether other physicians should consider a career that combines locum work and private practice? “I’d say there’s no ‘right time’ or age requirement necessary. The main question you should ask yourself is, ‘Am I burning out? Is my current way of doing things sustainable?’”
His advice is straightforward: “Don’t quit medicine. Change the model.”
Using Locums to Build His Ideal Life
One of the main benefits of his hybrid schedule is the flexibility to live his life the way he wants. He has more time than ever to spend with friends and family.
Making plans ahead is easier than ever, too. If he knows he needs to be somewhere in a month, he simply doesn’t schedule any assignments for that time and has the freedom to do what he wants.
As he put it, “I can literally decide to take three days off during a week if I want. That level of freedom wouldn’t have been possible without locum tenens.”