Locum tenens work provides doctors with the flexibility they want today. They can achieve their desired work-life balance and possibly earn extra income. Many doctors today choose to accept these placements so they can travel and allow someone else to pay for it.
In fact, many physicians are searching for locum placements for doctors working abroad. These placements allow doctors to see the world and explore new cultures. Individuals often find it beneficial to work with a staffing agency to find their perfect placements. Before accepting the first assignment, however, a doctor should understand how international locum tenens placements work.
Time Commitments
Individuals must realize that international assignments typically require longer commitments. A doctor should expect to work a minimum of a few weeks or possibly a year or longer when they accept one of these international assignments. Every doctor must determine how much time they are willing to commit to overseas work before contacting an agency to begin looking for a placement.
Pay
Doctors find that the pay they will receive for international assignments varies by country. However, they can expect the pay to be less than what they would make if working in the United States. However, many facilities provide housing, transportation, and more to help offset this pay cut. Many physicians are willing to accept lower pay when working overseas, prioritizing experience over financial compensation.
Qualifications
Most international assignments require doctors to be board-certified or board-eligible. A country might also need the candidate to have extensive postgraduate experience or training, typically 3 years or more. Recent medical school graduates should spend time working domestically and gaining experience in different clinical settings before applying for an international position. However, that is not the case with all countries. Some countries readily hire new doctors and allow them to gain experience working with patients in their countries.
The Application Process
An individual should not contact a staffing agency and expect to receive work right away. The application process takes time, particularly when an individual is looking for international assignments. A doctor should expect this process to take at least six to nine months and plan accordingly.
This time frame allows the doctor to gather all necessary paperwork and secure the required visas. Furthermore, they must complete the credentialing process and obtain any essential vaccines for their assignment.
Family Members
Family members may be permitted to accompany the doctor on the international assignment. Doing so allows them to experience different cultures and meet new people. The doctor may also be allowed to bring their pet, but should be prepared to take multiple steps to ensure the animal is safe for travel.
Housing and Transportation
Most medical facilities provide locum tenens with housing, ground transportation, and airfare to and from their destination. Furthermore, they usually cover malpractice insurance for these temporary providers. Nevertheless, doctors will be expected to pay any expenses related to their family traveling with them, including visa costs.
Popular International Locations
Positions often choose locum tenens assignments in the US Virgin Islands and the Caribbean. The pay is lower, but so is the cost of living, and there are no visa requirements. A doctor can obtain the necessary credentials rapidly, and many assignments are less than 30 days.
Assignments in Guam may last from 3 months to 2 years. The credentialing typically takes less than 45 days, and the pay is similar to what a doctor would make in America. Furthermore, paid time off in this country is typically generous.
A doctor might wish to consider an assignment in New Zealand. The pay is lower, but the assignments usually last six months to a year. Be prepared for a four-month application process, and doctors who accept one of these assignments will find they receive generous paid time off.
Positions in Australia typically last 12 months or more, and the pay is similar to what a doctor would make in America. The application process frequently takes six months to complete. Many doctors find the work enjoyable because they get to serve the Aboriginal population.
Doctors wishing to work internationally as locum tenens should partner with a staffing agency. This agency will help with all aspects of the process, including credentialing. This work is an excellent way to see the world and help others in the process.