subject: Could Locum Doctors Be Less Skilled Mercenaries, Who Will Never Reach Training Program Completion? [print this page] There have been a few myths circulated which have been attached to locum roles, though many, or perhaps most doctors will engage locum work at one point in their career. These are the most prevalent and popular:
1. Locums possess less skill
Though there is an element of truth to this myth, generally it isnt. It is largely individual based where a majority of Beat Medical locums are qualified in their speciality, or are senior practitioners with two decades of experience under their belt.
2. There is a mercenary quality to Locums
Who will sell out to the highest cash offer? Seen as Guns for Hire this is a largely cynical way of seeing the locum profession. Without doubt the benefit of undertaking a locum role is the higher rates of pay over regular salary packages. Simple economics can be attributed to the desirable pay: high demand low supply = high price.
3. Locum work turns doctors off from completing training programs
There is no truth to this myth. The makeup of the workforce has shifted where many use a locum role as a break during the period of a training program or a gap year between junior and training years. Medical graduates now tend to enter the workforce with a higher average age, accompanied with more debt and more responsibility. With the high rate of pay for locum work this helps supplement the minor income from mere registrar work. It is a reality that some will not complete a training program, I do not deny this. However these individuals are often the vital support staff who are in attendance at Emergency Departments across the country.
The truth about locums:
There is a need for locums as at government levels, there has been an insufficient health program implemented which would ensure most healthcare sites are staffed adequately.
There is a need for locums as some learning institutions still have protectionist policies enacted. This lessens the amount of trainees allowed into their programs, there are some negative reasons why this is apparent.
Locums dont undertake the role just for the money, its a lifestyle change. When surveyed as to the motivation of undertaking locum work, answers are based around breaking routine, finding adventure and enabling them to develop a specific set of skills.
It is a sad fact that there has been some shady dealings concerning locums and their agencies which have perpetuated the negative view by employers and the medical community of doctors who undertake short or long term locum roles.
If you do work with a locum, ask them what their motivation is. You may be pleasantly surprised.
by: Beat Medical
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