Dr Kevin Wu on the benefits of locuming

Doctors opt for locum roles for various reasons. Firstly, it offers an adventurous lifestyle, allowing you to experience diverse hospital environments and lifestyles. Secondly, Doctors opt for locum roles for various reasons. Firstly, it offers an adventurous lifestyle, allowing you to experience diverse hospital environments and lifestyles. Secondly, locuming is financially rewarding, helping you achieve your financial objectives efficiently. Most importantly, it provides the opportunity to make a significant impact in areas where your skills are most needed.

Dr Kevin Wu moved to Brisbane from Canada to study medicine in 2014. He graduated from the University of Queensland School of Medicine in 2017. Since then, he has stayed in Australia instead of moving back to Canada and taking on locum work with Medrecruit. "I am a new fellow of RACGP, but my current work mainly involves locuming at Emergency Departments. I chose to become a doctor as I like interaction with people and like caring for those who are in need," Kevin explained.

We caught up with Kevin to have a chat about the benefits of locuming and what his experience has been like.

What was your motivator for locuming?

I find locuming gives me great flexibility and opportunities to travel. My previous work all involved shift work, including the night shift, with limited availability for annual leave.

With locuming, I can choose which shifts to work and skip night shifts. If I would like to take some time off, I can just simply tell Medrecruit that I won’t be available in that particular time period. In addition, as I locum in various locations, I have travelled extensively across Australia. My friend joked with me that my work is a working holiday.

How has locuming enriched your lifestyle in any way?

Locuming has allowed me to travel to different areas of Australia where I wouldn’t normally go due to cost and other factors. I have visited many beaches, the outback of Australia, mining towns, etc. I like travel, and locuming has really broadened my horizons. I’m grateful I’ve been given these opportunities to do things I love.

Have you had any memorable or crazy experiences when locuming?

I went to visit a mining site when I was on a placement in the outback. I had the pleasure to learn how the coal is extracted, cleaned, selected and exported. It was quite an experience.

Has locuming helped you achieve any financial goals?

With the income from my locuming I bought a new car and paid the down payment for my first apartment. On top of these, I’ve had three overseas holidays this year alone—all thanks to my locuming income.

Would you have any advice for other doctors who are thinking about locuming?

Plan ahead. Think what your goals are: financial? Flexibility? Travel experiences etc. Choose carefully where you are going and what position you will be doing. Do some research about the hospital and the town where the hospital is located. If you are not sure about something when you are on shift, make sure to ask.