The American Pediatric Surgery Association (APSA) recently held its annual conference, gathering pediatric surgeons from across the country. Centered around the pillar of providing the highest quality of care to children and their families, one of the standout sessions of this year’s event was an open discussion on how to safely and effectively integrate locum tenens clinicians into existing staffing models.
Pediatric surgery is a highly specialized field, with less than 30 surgeons graduating on an annual basis. Surprisingly, 20% of this year’s APSA attendees reported that they had engaged in locum tenens work within the last 6 months; an indication of the rise in both clinicians and facilities engaging in locum tenens partnerships. Of those pediatric surgeons providing locum tenens services, they reported the following data:
- 27% reported they do locum tenens work to control their own schedules
- 44% stated they do locum tenens work to supplement their income
- 29% do locum tenens work because the salary is appealing and competitive
A point emphasized throughout the APSA session was the surgeon’s obligation to vet each opportunity to ensure it is an appropriate match for their skillset and practice style. Guidelines were proposed to help pediatric surgeons feel prepared when accepting a locum tenens position. It was suggested that surgeons pursue a second conversation with an on-site clinical contact after the initial conversation with a recruiter. The suggested talking points surrounding that second conversation include:
- The type of cases worked / type of instruments and equipment used for those procedures
- Expectations on how to handle specific patient care situations
- Insights into mid-level support / availability of residents
- If trauma is expected and/or if ECMO is required
Asking questions upfront can better inform a surgeon’s decision on whether to take an assignment or not. Other valuable topics discussed at the session included: how to overcome institutional pushback if a patient's care needs to be transferred, how to provide continuity of care with an ever-changing staffing model, and how to maintain quality within programs.
Most pediatric surgeons engaging in locum tenens work do so through an agency. With dozens of new agencies entering the locum tenens market each year, it has never been more important for physicians to vet companies they interact with. With just over 800 employees, LocumTenens.com has positioned itself as the single largest locum tenens company in the industry. Our 20-person pediatric surgery sales team boasts 164 years of collective staffing experience. With this tenure, we are highly skilled at vetting job opportunities, handling complex contract negotiations, advocating for our physicians, and have established long-standing relationships with hospitals across the country.
We offer a white-glove approach to customer service that is meticulous, personalized, and aims to exceed all our physicians’ expectations. Every pediatric surgeon working with LocumTenens.com is supported by a team of dedicated experts skilled in licensing, privileging, insurance enrollment, travel coordination, and hospital onboarding. Our contracting practices ensure we protect our physicians with enforceable cancellation clauses. Additionally, timesheet specialists ensure you are paid on time, every time. Other benefits to working with LocumTenens.com include a robust malpractice insurance policy, partnerships with companies that offer health insurance, wealth management advisement, and more.
We are thrilled to see the growing interest in locum tenens work across the pediatric surgery community. To learn more about a partnership with us and your next job opportunity, contact one of our recruiters today.
About the author
Ashley Engle
Account Director - Recruiting
