Will Locums Hurt Your Future Job Search?
A reader recently reached out with a concern that I hear from time to time from other dermatologists: will a stint in locums look like a red flag on a CV when it’s finally time to land a permanent role? There’s this lingering fear that future employers might view a series of short-term assignments as a sign of indecision or an inability to commit. And while that might be true for someone just drifting, for the strategic dermatologist, locum experience adds specific, practical value that a traditional path can't match.
The most immediate benefit is that you can choose to be exposed to a sheer variety of practice settings in a relatively short window. Many of us graduate residency and jump straight into a job without ever seeing the internal machinery of different business models. By doing locums, you get a front-row seat to how private equity-backed groups, solo practices, multi-location physician-owned practices, and even HMOs actually operate. I’ve worked in all of these models and found the experience incredibly enlightening. When you’re voicing a preference about a particular practice model at an interview, you’re saying it with the authority of someone who’s tried the alternatives and knows exactly why they’re choosing that specific path.
Beyond the business model, you’re also collecting a mental "best-of" list for clinical workflows. Every office has a different way of handling the day-to-day systems of a dermatology practice. In some places, you’ll see brilliant efficiencies that you’ll want to replicate for the rest of your career. In others, you’ll see absolute disasters that teach you exactly what to avoid. This perspective is a massive asset to bring to a permanent practice.
There’s also the geographic element to consider. It’s one thing to visit a city for a weekend and another thing to work somewhere for weeks at a time. Doing multistate locums allows you to figure out where you actually want to put down roots before you sign a long-term contract or buy a house. You get to learn the local patient demographics, the payor mix, and the general vibe of the community without any long-term strings attached. It takes the guesswork out of one of the biggest life decisions you'll ever make.
Finally, don't overlook the fact that a locum assignment can be a “trial run” for both parties. I’ve seen plenty of "temporary" gigs turn into permanent offers because the fit was so natural. Locuming at a practice helps mitigate risk for both the employer and the employee. They know you're a good fit for their team, and you know you won't be looking for the exit in six months because of some hidden culture issue. My locum work has been a legitimate asset in my growth as a dermatologist. Far from being a red flag, it's a way to build a resume that shows you’re a seasoned, versatile dermatologist who knows exactly what they want and how to deliver value from day one.
