Many assume that locum tenens work is best suited for mid- and late-career physicians. However, new graduates and early-career professionals can benefit immensely from locum assignments, gaining exposure to diverse practice settings and specialties before committing to long-term career paths. For early-career physicians, locum tenens offers the flexibility to "test-drive" different environments—whether urban hospitals, rural clinics, or specialty centers

Locum tenens roles also provide a valuable opportunity to “learn while you earn,” with assignments often paying competitive rates that can supplement income or expedite paying off student debt. Working in various healthcare environments accelerates skill development, broadens clinical experience, and enhances adaptability, which are all invaluable in the medical field. New physicians gain exposure to a wide range of patient demographics, operational practices, and clinical challenges, allowing them to build a robust skill set early on.

WPA’s recruiters can further support early-career locum tenens physicians by helping them navigate licensing and credentialing. Recruiters can guide new physicians in choosing assignments that align with their career goals, connect them with professional networks, and provide insights on managing the unique demands of a locum lifestyle. These resources make locum tenens an attractive option for those just beginning their medical careers, allowing them to earn, explore, and build a foundation for long-term success.

Early Career, Endless Possibilities

For newly trained physicians, locum tenens offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience, explore various practice settings, and earn income without committing to a permanent role. It’s a valuable way to discover which specialties, work environments, and locations align best with your long-term goals.

Benefits:

• Diverse Experience: Exposure to different healthcare systems, patient populations, and case types.

• Flexible Scheduling: Time to study, travel, or pursue personal interests between assignments.

• Networking Opportunities: Build professional relationships across regions that could lead to future permanent roles.

• Income Potential: Competitive pay with opportunities for extra shifts.

 

Mid-Career: Locum Tenens as a Strategic Choice

Mid-career physicians often seek new challenges, improved work-life balance, or a shift in professional direction. Locum tenens allows for personal and career flexibility without sacrificing income or skill development.

Benefits:

• Work-Life Balance: Greater control over your schedule to prioritize family, travel, or other pursuits.

• Skill Diversification: Keep clinical skills sharp by working in varied environments.

• Higher Compensation: Short-term, high-demand assignments can offer competitive pay.

• Career Flexibility: Time for academic roles, consulting, or exploring other interests in healthcare.

End of Career: Flexibility, Freedom, and Financial Peace

As physicians approach retirement, locum tenens offers a smooth transition out of full-time practice while maintaining clinical engagement. It enables greater freedom to work on your own terms and continue contributing to the field.

Benefits:

• Flexible Schedule: Work only when desired, with more time for personal activities.

• Supplemental Income: Continue earning while receiving retirement benefits.

• Maintain Clinical Skills: Stay professionally active and engaged.

• Travel Opportunities: Combine work with travel, experiencing new places and healthcare systems.

Health, Dental & Vision Wellness Plans for 1099 Physicians at WPA+ Medicine Staffing

Provided you are 'Actively at Work', our bundled health & wellness plans gives you and your family access to the BlueCross BlueShield network.

Understanding Tax Obligations Across States

Locum tenens physicians often work in multiple states within a year, each with its own tax requirements. A tax advisor can help ensure compliance with state income taxes and prevent unexpected bills later on by helping you manage deductions, credits, and any multistate filing requirements.

 

Maximizing Deductions

A tax advisor can identify deductions specific to locum work, such as travel, lodging, meals, medical licenses, and professional fees. For those who are independent contractors, tax advisors can also provide insight into maximizing home office and self-employment tax deductions.

 

Quarterly Tax Payments and Self-Employment Considerations

Independent contractors typically need to pay estimated taxes quarterly. A tax advisor can help you calculate and plan for these payments, which reduces the risk of underpayment penalties. They can also help you navigate self-employment taxes, ensuring contributions to retirement plans and other benefits are handled effectively.

 

Retirement Planning and Financial Strategy

Locum tenens work provides unique opportunities to save for retirement through options like SEP IRAs or solo 401(k) plans. A tax advisor can guide you in maximizing contributions and help create a long-term financial strategy that aligns with both your income goals and tax savings.

 

Compliance and Record-Keeping Assistance

Having a reliable system for tracking income, expenses, and receipts is essential for tax compliance. A tax advisor can assist with record-keeping strategies, making sure you’re prepared for tax time without the stress of last-minute scrambling.

 

Bottom Line

A tax advisor simplifies the tax side of locum tenens, allowing you to focus on patient care while benefiting from financial insights and strategies that optimize your earnings and savings.

Financial Advisor with Locum Expertise

Role of a Financial Advisor: A financial advisor experienced in locum tenens helps you navigate the unique financial aspects of independent contracting, like budgeting for variable income and planning for retirement.

Benefits:

• Income Management: Advisors assist with budgeting, given the fluctuations in locum work income, helping create a stable financial plan.
• Retirement Planning: They offer advice on retirement options suited to contractors, such as SEP IRAs or solo 401(k)s, to help you secure your financial future.
• Tax-Efficient Strategies: Financial advisors work with tax advisors to create investment and savings strategies that maximize after-tax income.
• Debt and Investment Counseling: For those with student loans or investment goals, they provide guidance on paying down debt and building wealth effectively.

 

Know a great clinician?  Refer a physician, NP, PA, or CRNA to us and earn $2,000!  Your referral must be new to our database, placed on assignment, and complete 500 hours. Just submit their name, specialty, and contact info to info@wpamedsstaffing.com before they reach out to us.

Once they hit the milestone, you get paid—simple as that!