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Doctors of internal medicine are fundamental to the American healthcare system. Also known as “Internists,” Internal Medicine Physicians diagnose and treat adult patients for health conditions and may practice particular subspecialties, such as Cardiology or Endocrinology.
But as patient care needs become more intense and qualified medical staff become more scarce, many internal medicine practitioners find themselves looking for an alternative to a conventional full-time position.
Locum tenens internal medicine jobs are the perfect solution for doctors of internal medicine seeking greater flexibility and higher pay in their careers. If you are interested in making a change in your Internal Medicine career or want to learn more about locum tenens opportunities in your field, here is what you need to know.
Interested in Internal Medicine locum tenens jobs? Get started with Caliber
Internal Medicine Physicians specialize in treating adult patients. They provide extensive care over the course of a patient’s adult life to help manage long-term health conditions and solve diagnostic problems. Since Internists have a comprehensive knowledge of the entire human body, there are a multitude of internal medicine career paths to follow.
General Internal Medicine Physicians, or Internists, are trained to diagnose and treat a broad range of health conditions that affect adults. Internists often work as Primary Care Physicians, providing physical examinations, urgent care, and overall solutions to complex chronic illnesses and diagnostic challenges.
Because of their efficacy as Primary Care Physicians, general Internal Medicine Physicians are often confused with family medicine Physicians or General Practitioners. The main difference is that internists only treat adult patients, while Family Practice Physicians and General Practitioners treat patients of all ages.
There are a wide array of Internal Medicine subspecialties. These subspecialties focus on particular areas or systems of the body and require additional training in the form of a fellowship beyond basic medical residency. Although Internal Medicine Physicians who complete their fellowship are typically referred to by their specialty (Dermatology, Oncology, Cardiology, etc.), they are all considered Internal Medicine Physicians.
Some of the most common specialties include:
Salary and demand for these subspecialties can vary, especially in locum tenens positions. The good news is that there is a high demand for locum tenens Internal Medicine Physicians. A growing shortage of qualified Physicians in the US has put Internists in high demand. Accordingly, there are locums assignments available all over the United States and in almost every conceivable type of healthcare environment.
Because there are so many subspecialties associated with internal medicine, the exact job requirements of a particular internal medicine position differ greatly. The job description of a Cardiologist would be very different from the job description of a Gastroenterologist, for example.
But there are some common responsibilities that Internists are expected to perform, including:
Internal Medicine Physicians will also need to develop long-lasting relationships with patients. Consulting with patients to understand their concerns and develop rapport is crucial to the success of any medical career. Communication and empathy are two of the most important soft skills that drive patient outcomes.
Attention to detail, research and analytical skills, and the ability to tolerate irregular working hours are also required for Internal Medicine jobs.
As with any Physician, there are stringent educational requirements.
Internists must have completed their undergraduate education and earned a doctor of medicine (MD) or doctor of osteopathic medicine (DO) degree. A successful candidate must also have 3 to 7 years of internship and residency experience with a focus in Internal Medicine.
Candidates must also be board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and a valid and active state license BC, required weekdays and full-time availability are to be expected.
Internal Medicine Physicians interested in locum tenens work can enjoy a host of benefits not found in full-time staff positions.
For starters, locum tenens Internists can work on a schedule that suits their needs. The locum tenens lifestyle affords flexibility in scheduling, giving physicians the ability to choose the right assignments for them. Assignments may require full or partial availability. Some assignments may last a few days, while other assignments last several months. Physicians can choose locums work as a part-time position or, those seeking a perm internal medicine opportunity can even pursue locums as a full-time career.
Locum tenens positions also provide the opportunity to travel and experience life in different parts of the US. The United States is a big, diverse country - both culturally and geographically. Locum tenens roles give Internists the chance to see the nation and connect with folks from many different walks of life.
And when working with a reputable locum tenens staffing agency like Caliber, Internal Medicine Physicians do not have to worry about covering overhead of private practice or malpractice insurance.
Younger Physicians just starting their careers can benefit from locums work to gain experience and help establish their patient base. And retired Physicians can earn competitive wages doing locums work on a part-time schedule.
For especially eager Physicians, locums work can also be a great way to supplement existing income. Internists can pick up short-term assignments on weekends and holidays in order to pay off medical school loans or just to achieve their personal financial goals.
A job in Internal Medicine can be dynamic and satisfying. There are several different career paths for Internal Medicine Physicians. Internists can work in hospitals immediately following their residency or can choose to work in primary care at an outpatient facility. And there is also the path to subspecialties like Gastroenterology.
Internists will almost always have patients to see, which can be hectic. But Internal Medicine Physicians tend to have a decent work-life balance, often following the 7 on 7 off scheduling model. And in outpatient clinics, Internists may be able to follow a more conventional work schedule with the ability to take weekends and holidays off.
Internal Medicine is a great career for Physicians who want to develop and maintain a broad level of medical knowledge. While subspecialists often narrow their focus to their particular area of expertise, Internists can continue to deepen their knowledge of various pathologies and body systems throughout their career.
Working as an Internist does require a fair amount of documentation and charting work. Internists will also have to work with specialty-specific consultants to provide recommendations for patient care.
If you are interested in finding your next locum tenens opportunity, trust the experts at Caliber to connect you with the right assignments. Our experienced specialty team understands the unique challenges and requirements of Internal Medicine specialists.
We specifically focus on placing providers with specialties in:
Because of our team’s deep knowledge of internal medicine specialties, we understand what providers like you are looking for. We will make sure that your assignment is the best fit for you, diving deep into the details to find the position you want. Whether it is schedule, pay, or position, Caliber will advocate on your behalf and match you with the locums job you want.
Is locum tenens worth it?
Locum tenens positions can be highly beneficial for doctors, affording greater scheduling flexibility, competitive pay rates, and travel opportunities.
What is the best locum tenens company for Physicians?
Caliber is the best locum tenens company for physicians. Our team of experts understands the ins and outs of various subspecialties to connect you with the right assignments.
Can new grads do locum tenens?
New grads of Nurse Practitioner and Physician Assistant programs can do locum tenens but usually not recent graduates studying to become physicians. A locum tenens job can be a great choice for young physicians who have recently completed their residency training and earned their licensure.
