Increase in Permanent and Locums Physician Jobs

In a recent survey by Staff Care, there has been a documented increase in the number of physician jobs. Because many of these permanent positions are difficult to fill, there has also been a significant increase in utilizing locums physicians.

There has been a lot of media attention on the physician shortage; however this continued increase in physician jobs can also be attributed to an economic recovery. There is an increase in the lack of physicians to fulfill the number of openings.

The physician shortage is mostly in primary care, however many specialists and surgeons are also in short supply. Utilizing locums has allowed hospitals to continue consistent patient care, behavioral health physicians were the largest specialty utilized for locums with primary care coming in second.

Physicians are favoring locums positions over permanent positions for several reasons including earning extra income, having more flexibility and a better quality of life, or to fill in gaps from other commitments such as military or even employed positions.

Read the full article in American Medical News, or click here:
http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2011/03/07/bisc0307.htm