The chance to travel and see a bit of the world is best done when you have the fewest responsibilities. Whether you realize it or not your medical degree has given you the means to travel and work in different countries and in locales that you may have never considered before.
Most hospitals and medical centers find it hard to fill vacancies left by departing doctors. And the thing is doctors are leaving such places all the time. The situation does not vary that much throughout the world. If you have ever dreamed of seeing and experiencing Eastern Europe or Central America or the countries of Sub-Saharan Africa, you will be able to find locum tenens jobs in these regions.
Why locum tenens for physicians? It is an obvious first question. The answer is quite simple: they give you the best opportunity for flexibility and travel. Most such jobs are listed on sites dedicated to this kind of medical work. You will be able to see the range of jobs available and the places they are located.
Doing locum tenens work will allow you to pursue other interests you may have. You may want time to pro bono work or get involved in community events in some other way. Perhaps you have an artistic impulse and have wanted time to explore that—that is, to see if you have the talent to actual produce something that someone will want to buy. Or it just may be you want more time to relax and enjoy life. After four years of college, four years of medical school, years more in internship and residency, and your recent time learning the craft of your particular medical specialty, you may have decided to scale back a little bit. You may need to rearrange your life in a way that is consistent with your priorities.
Where to find locum tenens work? It is a first and obvious question. It is quite easy to answer. Such work can be found everywhere. Hospitals and care centers of all types are always losing people. It is hard for them to fill such vacancies with qualified people, so they often solicit the help of temporary physicians.
In doing locum tenens work, you may be able to combine two or more of your life passions. Rural hospitals and hospitals in depressed and disadvantaged areas are always looking for physicians. It is hard for them to keep staff for very long owing to the arduous, and sometimes isolated, conditions under which staff is expected to work. If you would like to spend more of your time helping poor and disadvantaged people, getting a temporary position in a rural hospital may be perfect for you.
There is also the fact that you will be able to dictate the terms under which you work. It is a great way to reclaim your life and carry on with doing the thing you have worked so hard for—that is, being a doctor.
You should carry out the appropriate research before making a final decision. You can begin here: https://www.locumtenens.com/
Are you interested in traveling and seeing a bit of the world as a physician? Learn Why locum tenens for physicians may be the right kind of job for you.