How to Get Started with Locums (Without Losing Your Mind)

Locums 101: What to Know Before You Dive In

You’ve heard about locum tenens (aka “locums”). Maybe a colleague mentioned it. Maybe you’ve worked alongside a locums recently. Maybe you’re exploring new options after burning out — or maybe you just want to earn more and work less. But the moment you start looking into it — you get bombarded. Calls, texts, emails, LinkedIn requests. You Google “locums” once and suddenly every recruiter in the country has your number. Sound familiar? Don’t worry — you’re not doing it wrong. The chaos is normal. But let’s slow down and walk through how to get started the right way — and how to control that chaos to find your perfect fit.

Why Locums?

Let’s not overcomplicate it — most physicians look into locums for a few clear reasons:

• Freedom – You choose when and where you work.
• Higher Pay – Temp roles usually pay more, especially in underserved areas.
• No Politics – You do your job and go home.
• Variety – Try out different practice settings without long-term commitments.

For many, it’s a reset button — a way to reconnect with medicine on your own terms.

The First Step: Get Clear on What You Want

There’s a classic saying in residency when it comes to choosing your next step:
"You can only pick two — good pay, good work-life balance, or a great location. You can’t have all three."
Locums gives you a little more flexibility — but not infinite options. So ask yourself:

• Do I care more about the pay rate, the location, or the workload?
• Am I okay flying out of state, or do I want to stay local?
• Do I want short-term gigs or a semi-consistent schedule?

Knowing these answers helps you filter through the noise. Without clarity, you’ll waste a lot of time entertaining the wrong gigs.

Expect the Floodgates

Once you start looking, the calls and emails come fast. That’s because many locums agencies act as middlemen. They don’t work for you — they work to fill positions, fast. And they get paid every time you work.
If you talk to one agency, chances are your name gets passed around.
You’re not imagining it. The system is designed that way. You are the asset — and they’re all trying to place you before someone else does. We do not share this to discourage you. In fact, understanding this key concept should put you in a place of power.

Set Boundaries Early

You don’t have to respond to everyone. In fact, you shouldn’t. Here’s what to look for when a recruiter reaches out:

• The name and location of the facility (hospital, clinic, FSER, ASC, etc.)
• The rate — and ideally the agency’s overhead (read more on that here)

If they won’t share that? Pass. They’re not prioritizing your needs.

Also — never let someone “present” or “submit” you for a job without your written consent. That’s how you end up getting locked in with one agency for a job you may not even want. (Article on this coming soon)

Lastly — diversify! Do not hitch your wagon to one agency, hospital, or organization. It is best to have multiple state licenses, so we recommend obtaining a compact license. At Send it, we will pay for your compact license after your first 10 shifts to expand your options and flexibility.

The Hybrid: It Works If You Find the Right Spot

One approach that’s worked well for physicians easing into locums is what we call “The Hybrid.”
Start, or keep, a part-time or full-time commitment at a local facility — something steady you can count on. This becomes your anchor — providing guaranteed shifts and a baseline income.
Then, look for a second site where you can pick up 5 to 7 shifts a month. If the fit is good and the team likes working with you, they’ll often ask for more coverage. That’s when you can start gradually lifting your anchor and opening yourself up to more flexibility.
Over time, you could build affiliations with multiple locations — all reaching out to fill your schedule. That’s when the real freedom kicks in.

Final Takeaways

• Locums can offer real freedom — if you stay in the driver’s seat.
• Get clear on your priorities early.
• Protect your time and reputation by being selective.
• Avoid agencies that pressure you or lack transparency.

The physician shortage isn’t going anywhere. This is a long game — and your success will come down to strategy, timing, and risk tolerance. Play it right, and you’ll be a pro before you know it.

How Send it Is Different

At Send it, we’re building a platform where the physician stays in control. Think of it like Airbnb:

• You stay anonymous until you opt into an opportunity.
• The hospital comes to you based on your fit.
• You see the details and negotiate the rate upfront.
• You choose whether to move forward. No pressure.
• Our overhead is low and transparent, putting more money in your pocket.

We’re still growing, so don’t worry if we don’t have something for you today. But when the right fit comes along, you’ll know — and you’ll be in charge.