Dr JG on locuming as a junior doctor in Australia

Locuming offers junior doctors many ways to broaden clinical experience and develop skills across diverse healthcare settings, particularly in rural and remote locations, where you could be exposed to a wide range of medical cases that might be less prevalent in urban centres. These assignments also provide the flexibility to choose where and when to work, supporting a better work-life balance. However, locuming is not without its challenges.

We caught up with Dr JG, who locums as a Registrar and RMO in Emergency Medicine, often in rural and remote Australia, to find out more about what it's like for a junior doctor to locum.

Can you tell us about your medical background and what led you to pursue a medical career?

I originally started exploring healthcare by doing a nursing degree, followed by a postgraduate degree in medicine. Medicine has always been dear to me, as I grew up in a rural medical family and have seen the impact that doctors can have on their community firsthand, especially in rural areas.

How did you first hear about locum work, and what motivated you to pursue it as a junior doctor?

I first heard about locum work through a friend who had done similar work. I wanted to be able to explore critical care roles and have exposure to different work environments, so chose to take on locum roles in these areas.

How has locum work influenced your medical career and professional development as a junior doctor?

I have been able to explore multiple critical care roles through locum work. I have mostly worked in ED, with time in Anaesthetics and ICU as well. I have been fortunate enough to undertake these rotations in different locations and been able to explore much of the country at the same time. This experience which can be competitive through hospital rotations, allowed me to progress with my career to work as a Registrar.

Do you have any memorable experiences from any of your locum assignments?

My most memorable experience while doing locum was diving with the great white sharks in South Australia. Such an adrenaline rush! I think spending time in the communities you visit outside of just work is an enjoyable way to see Australia.

What have been some of the biggest challenges you've faced while working as a locum doctor, and how did you overcome them?

Challenges as a locum can include isolation. Isolation in smaller towns can be difficult to manage, as often you are there for a brief period and with work as the primary focus. Truly embedding yourself with locals external to the hospital staff can be difficult as you are a transient member of the community.

Having a strong support network of friends and family who are happy to have chats on the phone can be extremely beneficial.

What skills or qualities are important for a successful junior doctor working as a locum?

Know your scope of practice, and don’t be afraid to turn down assignments if you don’t feel they are for you. Your agent will not mind at all and would prefer you tell them upfront. Working as a locum, you take on the challenges of new work environments, new protocols, and new professional relationships. All of those together can be difficult to navigate, and then there’s the actual medicine to consider! Stick within your scope of practice, and if an assignment is out of your scope, let your agent and hospital know early on!

How has locum work impacted your personal life and work-life balance?

Personal life can sometimes fall second to locum work as locum work is often away from the your main place of residence. As stated previously, having a strong group of friends and family who are happy to support you while you are away (especially if for longer than a week or two), is very important. Personal relationships can be difficult to manage as well and that needs to be considered when doing locum work.

Are there any specific regions or types of locum work that you would recommend based on your experience?

Rural Australia! It is a very different medicine, with a lot of incredible people and stories. You will learn new ways of doing things and learn to optimise your resources.

Looking back, what is your favourite locum moment so far?

Working with a team in the outback to arrange the retrieval of a very unwell child. Being part of the team and ensuring timely care to be able to help a child and their family was an amazing experience and a memory I will hold forever. The medical team and some of the nursing team were all locums, and I wonder how the outcome would have been if healthcare providers did not choose to work there.

Everywhere in Australia deserves doctors. The delivery of healthcare, especially in rural areas, depends on doctors going there.

What advice would you give to other junior doctors considering locum work?

Enjoy your time locuming. It’s incredible to see new parts of the country and how different health services operate. Research the roles you are applying for to ensure your skillset is congruent. Plan out your free time with your friends and family!