I’m Dr. Vijay Balakrishnan, a board-certified dermatologist based in San Diego, California. After completing residency, I practiced within a large, integrated managed care organization for a few years before transitioning to locum tenens dermatology in 2025 to reclaim my clinical and personal autonomy.

Today, I maintain a balance of both traditional practice and locums work. I started this website and am writing my book, The Derm Locums Roadmap, to share the practical and operational knowledge I gained through my own career transition. Whether you are a ‘locums-curious’ resident or a seasoned dermatologist exploring a bridge to retirement, my goal is to provide the practical framework you need to navigate this career path with confidence.