Strategies for Success and the Impacts of Locum Tenens Work in a Post-Pandemic World

Liz Hale, President-Elect of the Board of Directors – National Association of Locum Tenens Organizations

Liz Hale, CEO at MPLT Healthcare, is President-Elect of the Board of Directors for the National Association of Locum Tenens Organizations (NALTO). MPLT is a locum tenens organization that has been in operation for approximately 13 years. Liz has more than thirty years of experience in the healthcare staffing industry after initially starting her career as a nurse. Her work in healthcare has been a standing passion and she is committed to the work she provides.

What qualities do you feel physicians or other medical professionals should have to become a success in locum work?

While having strong professional skills and qualifications is essential, there are other qualities that set providers up for success in locum tenens roles, including being adaptable, flexible, and a quick learner. It’s important for locum professionals to approach their assignments with the understanding that their job is to help provide support rather than change policies or processes.

Their ability to build a strong rapport with support staff, patients, and colleagues lends to their success. Being responsive and efficient is equally critical—especially during the onboarding process. One of the biggest challenges we face is obtaining hospital privileges in a timely manner, so professionals who turn around their paperwork quickly can help avoid significant delays.

Every assignment comes with its own unique challenges, and providers who can adapt quickly to changing circumstances tend to excel.

What are the key factors that attract physicians to locum tenens work?

While it might not be a popular answer, premium pay rates are certainly a significant draw for many people. Location can also play a big role, particularly if an assignment is close to home or family members. However, I think one of the most compelling factors is the flexibility that locum tenens work offers. Health professionals have the freedom to create their own schedules, allowing them to take more time off while maintaining a lucrative career.

They’re not tied to long-term contracts and appreciate the ability to be able to give 30 days’ notice should their situation change.

The support locum providers receive throughout the credentialing process can also be appealing, such as receiving assistance with hospital privileges and other administrative tasks that can help streamline the transition into new assignments more quickly. Lastly, I think many are drawn to this type of work because it allows them to focus solely on patient care without getting involved in hospital politics.

How does locum tenens work contribute to flexibility and work-life balance in healthcare?

Most appreciate the increased flexibility that locums work provides, allowing them to choose when, where, and how much they want to work. Unlike a permanent position with a fixed schedule, they can take assignments that better fit their lifestyle, whether full-time, part-time, or short-term. We have providers who work for three months and then go travel for three months. Locums' work offers them autonomy over their careers, time for personal priorities, all while still making a meaningful impact.

How has your approach to locum recruitment evolved, and what’s getting easier or harder about finding top healthcare professionals?

Health professionals interested in locum tenens work are much more readily available than in the past.

Years ago, not everyone understood what locum tenens was, but today physicians are far more familiar with it as a viable career path.

As a result, there’s less need for pitching, selling, and educating—it’s something they are actively seeking.

In addition, advancements in tools, resources, AI, and social media have made it easier to find and connect with recruits. However, the growing demand for locum tenens, as a result of physician shortages, has led to higher pay rate expectations. That is sometimes making it more difficult to find clients willing to meet these rates.

Finally, the increased demand has also attracted smaller companies to the field, some of which may not follow the same ethical standards upheld by NALTO and its members. Unfortunately, this can lead to negative experiences for providers and affect their perception of locum tenens work overall.

How did the pandemic impact/change locums work for physicians and other healthcare professionals? And how have staffing agencies adjusted/shifted their efforts today to accommodate those impacts?

I think one of the biggest impacts during the pandemic—and immediately after—was the severe financial strain on certain specialties. For example, surgeons and anesthesiologists were affected by the suspension of elective surgeries. At the same time, pediatricians saw a decline in patient visits as children stayed home from school and sports, resulting in fewer injuries and illnesses. At the same time, we saw a dramatic rise in requests for telemedicine. Providers who were hesitant to travel during the pandemic sought remote work options. We had to pivot quickly during COVID to support our clients and provide more flexible telemedicine options, allowing providers to continue working while minimizing the need to travel.

Some providers faced larger patient loads, accelerating burnout and leading many to retire earlier than expected. As things started returning to normal, demands for certain specialties surged. After long periods of isolation, patients were eager to schedule procedures and resume normal activities. In some specialties, this increase in demand led to higher pay expectations.

What are you most optimistic and/or concerned about for the future of the locum staffing industry?

I’m incredibly optimistic about the future of locum tenens. The growing physician shortage, exacerbated by the pandemic and the wave of upcoming physician retirements, poses significant challenges to healthcare delivery. Coupled with an aging population requiring more medical care, this creates a critical need for locum tenens as a solution. I believe demand for these services will continue to grow as we work to fill these gaps.

However, there are challenges, such as the difficulties providers face with state licensing and the barriers for foreign medical graduates entering the U.S. healthcare system. Locum tenens plays a vital role in offsetting these issues.