Perks to locuming as a Junior Doctor

Locuming offers junior doctors flexibility in scheduling, enables exploration of diverse medical settings and specialties, and presents lucrative financial incentives. Whether you're looking to earn a bit of extra money or hoping to discover your calling, we've pulled together some perks of locuming as a junior doctor.

1/ Travel

One of the best and most well-known perks of locuming is the ability to travel around the country and see areas you may not normally have the opportunity to. With opportunities all over Australia and New Zealand, you can scratch your travel itch and turn locum work into a working holiday for yourself and your family. Locums in New Zealand can choose between stunning mountain scenery, cosmo-cool cities, or laid-back white-sand beach towns. Locums are needed all over the country, so the choice is yours. Australia is renowned for its stunning landscapes, diverse cities, and unique wildlife. Locuming can be your ticket to exploring the vastness of the country, from its iconic coastal cities to the remote beauty of the Outback.

2/ Opportunity

You'll have lots of opportunities to work alongside a range of different experts and specialists. You'll be able to see how practices and processes work at different hospitals or clinics. You could work in a state-of-the-art practice where you'll witness the latest medical technology one day, to a rural hospital that is innovative and forward-thinking in its approach the next. Discover new career paths and try different working environments and locations. Working in different locations introduces you to a broad spectrum of healthcare professionals. This can be crucial for career growth, mentorship opportunities, and building professional relationships.

3/ Flexibility

Locum positions often come with flexible hours and contract durations. This means you can decide when and where you want to work, allowing for personal commitments and travel opportunities.Locum placements can last anywhere from a few hours to a year, allowing you to take control of where and when you work for a better work/life balance. Locuming can be a great side hustle, too - Dr Ash Bowden locums with Medrecruit whilst also organising the #MoveAgainstCancer Step Challenge on the Central Coast of Australia.

"I have one more night shift tonight and then I’ve got four days off and this is the perfect time to just be hitting all the socials and all the other stuff, so yeah, that flexibility means I’m not going to burn myself out and I can put the most into this which is my other passion," said Dr Bowden.

4/ Diversity

Learn more at work each day and in different environments. It can be easy after years of medical school and training to fall into a particular specialty, but variety is the spice of life! Why not check out what other specialties have to offer? Locum work gives you the control to decide what kind of role you want to work in. It enables you to explore diverse and interesting areas of medicine and allows you to gain specific experience and skills in the placements you want.

5/ Money

Locum roles typically pay a premium over permanent positions. For junior doctors eager to pay off student debts or save for future plans, locuming can offer a significant financial advantage. Most locums can earn more per day than some salaried positions.

6/ Help out

Locuming is beneficial to you, but also to your fellow doctors - you can help prevent stress and burnout. Take on a locum role and relieve stress on the medical system by filling short- and long-term opportunities. Locuming is not just beneficial to doctors; it plays a vital role in supporting healthcare in underserved areas. By choosing to locum in rural or remote locations, you contribute to bridging the healthcare gap, ensuring communities receive the medical attention they deserve.

7/ Diverse experience

By taking on various locum roles, junior doctors can gain experience in different medical settings, from bustling city hospitals to remote rural clinics. This variety can be invaluable when deciding on a specialisation or simply building a comprehensive skill set.

8/ Work-life balance

While the life of a doctor is undeniably hectic, the flexibility of locuming allows for a better work-life balance. You can choose contracts that align with personal commitments or simply take breaks between contracts to rest and rejuvenate.

9/ Professional support

Many locum agencies in Australia offer professional support, be it through continuous training, providing feedback, or assisting with administrative tasks. This can be especially beneficial for junior doctors looking for guidance as they navigate the early stages of their careers.

10/ Transitioning to permanent roles

If you're unsure where you want to settle or which medical facility aligns with your professional goals, locuming can be an excellent way to "test the waters." Many doctors use locuming as a stepping stone, eventually transitioning to permanent roles in places they've come to love.

Sophie Steenberg, Executive Solutions Specialist for the Junior & Registrar Division, talks about the benefits of locuming, and how to find out a bout locum opportunities:

How a recruitment agency can support junior doctors:

• A free service streamlining job searches and matching you with roles that align with your career goals.
• Providing expert guidance on CV preparation, interview techniques, and navigating complex application processes.
• Insights into different healthcare environments, ensuring you find positions that suit your professional growth and lifestyle preferences.
• Agencies handle logistics like contract negotiations and credential verification, allowing you to focus on your medical practice and personal development.

While the traditional path of medicine has its merits, locuming offers a plethora of advantages, especially for junior doctors keen on exploring different facets of their profession. In a countries as vast and varied as Australia and New Zealand, the opportunities are endless, making locuming an enticing option for those eager to expand their horizons, both professionally and personally.