Physicians often use locum tenens jobs as a means of working while waiting to advance their career. By definition locum tenens means to substitute or to hold someone's place while they are absent. Finding locum tenens jobs provides a job while the physician plans his or her career.

Residents not certain of their specialty can use locum tenens openings to explore their options while mid career physicians can utilize these jobs to see how other practices operate. A semi-retired doctor can stay connected to medicine without the hassle of staying fully immersed in practice.

There are many reasons physicians might want to take these short term positions. Due to the decline in payouts by Medicare and other insurance companies, a new resident wanting to open his or her own practice can use locum tenens to get a feel for both the clinical and business sides of practice in these settings. Some doctors find themselves in situations where they are part of a larger practice that is failing. They might want to get out but have a non-compete clause in their contract that might cause even more trouble. An option might be to practice locum tenens as close to home as possible until the non-compete clause expires.

Some physicians find themselves unable to borrow the money they need to open a new office. Practicing locum tenens is a good way to accumulate extra money to use as a down payment and have lenders look at their loan applications with a kinder eye. Another option from practicing locum tenens jobs is that of paying down debt which accumulates, sometimes from as early as student loans.

Many physicians, particularly women, will take time off at some point, perhaps to travel or start a family. Returning to work can be difficult in some circumstances, especially if it is sooner than expected. Locum tenens is an excellent choice for physicians who want the flexibility to work around a busy family schedule.

Internal medicine is one of the popular fields of locum tenens job searches. Internists provide comprehensive, long-term, general medical care for patients in office and hospital settings. They are trained in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of numerous diseases and conditions, and manage the common illnesses and complex problems of adults and the elderly.

Internists can enjoy a wide variety of locum tenens job offers throughout the United States and beyond by utilizing the internet. Many sites abound, offering short term jobs in a variety of medical fields. Physicians can choose between short and long term positions as well as locations. These online networks provide a great service to physicians no matter what their future plans are.

In today's bleak economy, it is hard for anyone to find or keep employment regardless of age or specialty. Jobs are dwindling in almost every field, with an unsure future looming ahead. However, with positions abounding within the locum tenens offers, physicians have a great opportunity of staying solvent and weathering out the storm until it passes.