Retired Physician Career Opportunities with Locum Tenens

Locum Tenens Ideal for Retired Physicians Looking to Rejoin the Workforce

BOCA RATON, FL (MarketWire) July 14, 2009 – Coming out of retirement isn't easy for anyone, especially for doctors who haven’t practiced in a while. But with hospitalist jobs from locum tenens agency Candidate Direct, a division of American Traveler Staffing Professionals, retired doctors can re-enter the workforce with ease.

Depending on how many years a doctor has been out of practice, they may have to catch up on continuing education credits, learn new technologies and be flexible in your medical setting. Either way, the physician shortage beckons these doctors' skills, even if just for two to three shifts a week.

"With the physician shortage the way it is, putting a retired doctor back in the workforce is a godsend," said Dennis Urbanski, American Traveler Managing Director. "The best solution for these doctors is to find a locum tenens agency experienced in matching older physicians with the medical facilities that need them." Locum tenens is ideal both for doctors in search of 20 or 30 hours of practice and for providers looking to supplement quality patient care. Top salaries are available, along with malpractice insurance, housing, paid travel and competitive benefits.

Urbanski suggests that older, retired doctors make a realistic assessment of their current skill set prior to calling a locum tenens agency. "This helps recruiters determine the most efficient course for re-entry and employment. Typically, physicians out of work for a year or less are easier to employ than those who haven't practiced for two years and more. But of course, it all depends on their specialty."

"Hospitalist jobs, for instance, are ideal for doctors coming out of retirement. For those who possess the needed proficiency in inpatient medicine – and who don't mind working weekends or night shifts – there are hundreds if not thousands of available jobs," said Urbanski.

A doctor may find physician jobs in rural areas easier to get than in big city hospitals and university settings. Conversely, high-need areas of the country, often associated with low-income households, are quicker to employ retired physicians because of needed skills and an increased demand for healthcare.

"Hospitalist jobs and primary care jobs are hot right now. There are plenty of jobs out there for doctors, retired or not," said Urbanski. "The challenge is; effectively marketing their skills among locations and medical settings in demand."

Last month alone, 20,000 people searched Google for locum tenens and more than 27,000 searched for hospitalist jobs.

For more information regarding American Traveler or to apply for physician jobs from Candidate Direct, call 800-884-8788 or visit American Traveler's website.

About American Traveler:

From world-renowned university teaching hospitals to rural medical facilities, The Joint Commission certified American Traveler specializes in short-term, per diem, and permanent positions for Physicians, RNs, Physical Therapists and other allied health professionals.  

Contact: Diane C. Bok