My Unique Locums Setup: Why locums can be whatever you want it to be

When I tell people I’m a locum tenens dermatologist, they usually envision a nomad moving across the country every three to six months. While that’s a viable path for some, I wanted something different. I needed a schedule that fit my specific lifestyle, not the other way around.

I had three main priorities. First, I love living in San Diego, so I focused on finding local per diem opportunities. Second, while I was open to out-of-state work, I refused to be away for more than a week at a time because I didn't want to leave my golden retriever, Biscuit, for longer than that. Finally, I wanted a reason to spend more time with my best friends in South Carolina. I figured a work trip was the perfect excuse.

With these goals in mind, I skipped the “traditional” route of relocating for months on end. I worked around 3 weeks a month across three different practices in San Diego County and around 1 week a month at a practice in Boise, Idaho. Later in the year, I added a 3 week stint in Greenville, South Carolina (spread over 3 months)

(You can read more about how I found these specific opportunities here).

I finally had the autonomy to build my own monthly schedule. I worked more during the months I wanted to be productive and dialed back when I wanted more time for family or leisure.

If you’re considering this path, don’t feel like you have to do what everyone else is doing. If you’re persistent and clear about your boundaries, locums can be whatever you want it to be.