The Locumstory Podcast | Locum Tenens Insights from Real-Life Physicians, PAs, and NPs

In this special panel episode, we sit down with four experienced locum tenens physicians—Dr. Brian Harlan, Dr. Joshua Napier, Dr. Evan Black, and Dr. Orlando Valdez—to explore what drew them to the locums lifestyle. From military service and private practice to burnout and career reinvention, each doctor shares their unique journey into locums and how it’s helped them reclaim flexibility, autonomy...

After a career spanning academia, pharma, and even restaurant ownership, Dr. Lydia Fazzio found herself at a crossroads. She shares how locum tenens helped her reconnect with the heart of psychiatry, embrace uncertainty, and build meaningful connections with patients and colleagues. Interested in locum tenens? Check out Weatherby Healthcare (weatherbyhealthcare.com) to learn more.

Today's guest, Dr. Gabrielle Johnson, dove straight into locum tenens work after residency. From her first nocturnist assignment in Minnesota to an adventurous six-month stint in Guam, she shares how locums gave her the freedom, flexibility, and personal growth she was seeking. Dr. Johnson shares her unconventional journey into medicine, the challenges of transitioning from residency to independen...

Radiologist Dr. Sean Jersey has embraced the adventure of international locum tenens work in New Zealand post-retirement. Dr. Jersey shares his unique journey from a 15-year career as an Air Force engineer to pursuing radiology and eventually transitioning to locum tenens assignments abroad. Dr. Jersey discusses the rewarding experiences of practicing medicine in New Zealand and enjoying the count...

Dr. Jenny Underwood, a board-certified OB-GYN from Texas has been navigating the world of locum tenens and telehealth since 2019. Dr. Underwood shares her unique journey from fellowship training at MD Anderson to embracing locum tenens work, which has allowed her to maintain her clinical skills while achieving a strong work-life balance. Dr. Underwood discusses the challenges of balancing her prof...

Dr. Gary Drizin, a seasoned pulmonologist who transitioned to locum tenens work in semi-retirement, shares his journey from nearly four decades in private practice to embracing locum tenens assignments. Originally planning to retire from his Pennsylvania-based practice, Dr. Drizin found a new path in locum tenens, allowing him to balance work with his love for skiing, hiking, and biking. He discus...

Dr. Kirk Heath, a board-certified general surgeon and the founder of Modio Health, shares his unique journey from practicing medicine to pioneering healthcare IT solutions. He discusses his transition from traditional practice to becoming the medical director of IT for a large healthcare system, to pursuing multiple entrepreneurial ventures. Dr. Heath is the founder of Modio Health, a credentialin...

Family medicine physician Dr. Jordan Salmon shares his journey from military service to starting his own practice, all while working locum tenens assignments to maintain income and flexibility.  He discusses the benefits of locum tenens, including the ability to balance his professional and personal life, support his young family, and gain unique medical experiences. Dr. Salmon highlights the impo...

Adrena Johnson, a physician assistant with over 15 years of experience in hematology oncology, shares her journey from traditional practice to locum tenens. She discusses the importance of finding the right recruiter, the benefits of a flexible schedule, and the joy of providing quality care.  Adrena highlights how locum tenens has allowed her to balance her professional and personal life, offerin...

Pediatric neurologist Dr. Kellie Sweet dives into the unique challenges and rewards of working as a locum tenens physician in a high-demand specialty. She highlights the flexibility that locum tenens offers, explaining how it has allowed her to balance home and work life effectively. Dr. Sweet emphasizes the importance of finding the right recruiter and the benefits of fair compensation. She also...

Gregg Crowe, a locum tenens consultant with Weatherby Healthcare, shares his insights into the evolving world of locum tenens and telehealth. Gregg discusses his role in guiding physicians through the locums process, the growing opportunities in telemedicine, and the unique challenges of licensing and onboarding. If you’re interested in exploring locum tenens opportunities, check out Weatherby Hea...

Dr. Jamila Goldsmith shares her journey of becoming a full-time locum tenens physician right after residency, discussing the key moments and decisions that led her to choose this path over traditional roles. She highlights the flexibility of locum tenens work, balancing her professional and personal life, and the support she received from mentors.  Learn more about Dr. Goldsmith’s locum tenens exp...

In this episode, Dr. Coleen Haynes shares her inspiring journey from nursing to becoming a physician, and how she has embraced the locum tenens lifestyle. Dr. Haynes describes her experiences working in diverse locations such as Saipan, St. Thomas, and St. Croix. She discusses the unique challenges and rewards of practicing medicine in rural and international settings, and how her love for travel...

Dr. Mark Connolly, a cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon, shares his journey to locum tenens work after a 35-year career in heart surgery.  He discusses the flexibility and freedom locums provides, allowing him to balance professional and personal commitments. He highlights the importance of working with trustworthy agencies and representatives, and the unexpected joy he has found through his locu...

In this episode, neurosurgeon Dr. Ravi Kumar shares his inspiring journey of transitioning to locum tenens, a move that allowed him to maintain his love for medicine without compromising his personal interests and priorities.  Discover how locum tenens work has given him the freedom to pursue his passions, including moving his family to India for a year-long medical mission trip.  Learn more about...

Dr. Alison Liewen has crafted a unique and fulfilling medical career, blending her passion for adventure with her dedication to compassionate care. Dr. Liewen discusses her transition to locum tenens work and her experiences working on assignments in Alaska. She also highlights the rewards and challenges of balancing locums assignments and how to maintain a broad scope of practice while making a s...

Dr. Elyas Parsa has taken a non-traditional route in his medical career, and it’s a choice that has clearly paid off. His passion for helping underserved communities and his dedication to lifelong learning have shaped his journey as a family medicine physician. In this episode, Dr. Parsa shares insights from his unique career path, highlighting the challenges and rewards of working locums assignme...

Locumstory Podcast guest host, Dr. Mariam Aboukar, dives deep into the art of contract negotiation for physicians with Resolve CEO, Kyle Claussen. With years of experience advocating for healthcare professionals, Kyle shares invaluable insights on how to navigate the complexities of employment, avoid common pitfalls, and which key clauses to watch out for to ensure you’re getting the best possible...

This month we will be celebrating National Locum Tenens week and on the Locumstory Podcast we have had the chance to talk to physicians from all specialties, about how they have built a successful and fulfilling career. We asked them what advice they have to help physicians launch their own careers and find the right fit for them. From taking the risk on a new opportunity, to getting free from stu...

Struggling with student debt can seem like a long journey, with no end in sight. That's why we met up with Andrew Paulson from StudentLoanAdvice.com to discuss effective strategies for managing and paying off student loans. Andrew shares expert advice on navigating repayment options, optimizing loan plans, and avoiding common pitfalls. Whether you're a recent graduate or well into your rep...

Physicians have a lot of experience looking after the health of their patients, and they have a lot of practice putting their needs last. The Whole Physician seeks to create a safe place for physicians to get the help they need to face burnout and be emotionally ready to handle to toll that patient care takes on them over time. Dr. Amanda Dinsmore and Dr. Laura Cazier from The Whole Physician join...

As Dr. DerrickBarnes started work as a full-time OBGYN, he quickly realized that his number one resource was time, and he didn't want to waste any of it, so he turned to locum tenens as a way to make the most out of his career. Now, he is able to give back by serving patients in rural areas in need of care, sharpen his skills with his full-time practice, and spend quality time with his family...

Dr. Daniel Shin knew about locum tenens, but he never thought it would be an option for him in his career, until he discovered it was the perfect fit. Working locums tenens assignments allows him to have the most efficient time in medicine as possible, allowing him to grow his real estate investing business, build social media presence, and spend time with his family. Now Dr. Shin has the time to...

Dr. Rip Patel, Dr. Marye McCroskey, and Dr. Trevor Cabrera are locums experts, but they also know how to find fun and adventure while on assignment. Whether it is discovering a local gem, enjoying the outdoors, or just finding ways to connect with their patients and learn about the community they serve, these doctors believe in making the most out of each and every job.

These days there are so many options outside of practicing medicine to help physicians build their own wealth. That is why Dr. Lance Holton helped start the company, Real Asset Investing Team , which is dedicated to helping people find investments and financial opportunities that work for their lifestyles. Dr. Holton draws from his own experience as a practicing anesthesiologist and businessman to...