3 rural locum tenens settings you haven't considered

Physicians in rural locums are deeply passionate about what they do – and they've done the research on where to land. That journey started when they began exploring how diverse rural regions are, with the understanding that they get to choose where they go next and how they get there.

Rural locums assignments are more than just cornfields, big paychecks, and high-volume clinics. Rural regions contain multitudes. From remote areas within highly populated states, to sandy beaches and lakeshores, to island life on both sides of the equator, the diversity of rural assignment options out there is much bigger than you might have considered. 

So today, let’s do a little exploring, shall we?

Rural locum tenens settings

• Tribal Health & IHS Facilities
• The "Island Time" Assignment
• The "Agri-Med" Hub
• FAQs about rural locum tenens
• Tired of being a number?

1. Tribal Health & IHS Facilities

Everyone deserves to have access to quality medical care where they live. Working at an Indian Health Services facility is an amazing opportunity for physicians looking to do some good and serve communities with limited access to specialty care.

Locums roles at IHS facilities and smaller community health clinics often require relocation to Tribal land in rural and remote areas spanning Alaska, Arizona, Oklahoma, California and other regions across the U.S. There are also a few locums companies with expertise and the specialized knowledge you’ll need to thrive in a Tribal Health role. Assignments in Tribal health facilities are spaces for growth not only in adaptability and travel savvy, but cultural literacy about Indigenous community care systems and a willingness to be open and learn. For locums who are deeply passionate about populations facing systemic barriers to care, a role serving Indigenous communities is life-affirming work.

2. The "Island Time" Assignment

Frequently misread as “vacation time”, island time assignments are critically important to communities across the U.S. and its territories. But roles in remote or island communities are actually much more diverse than what you might picture for a beachy vacation. This is not just about states like Hawaii. Think the San Juan Islands in Washington State, the Outer Banks of North Carolina (Outer Banks), or even island communities like the Cranberries in Maine or Mackinac Island in the Great Lakes.

Island time assignments offer an opportunity to truly get to know a small community, so that patients can receive continuous care without a very expensive helicopter ride to the mainland. As with every assignment, you’ll get to learn about region-specific health needs and hone your diagnostic capabilities. With the added perk of beautiful vistas at the end of your day.

3. The "Agri-Med" Hub

This is probably more of what you pictured when you thought of the phrase “rural medicine,” but it’s bigger than you know- we promise. So you’ve found yourself right in the middle of corn and soybean fields at a regional medical center. Agri-med hubs located in places like the Central Valley of California, the wine country of Oregon, or the dairy country of Wisconsin, present unique opportunities for providing compassionate care and building relationships with rural patients who are truly excited to have you there. 

Agricultural communities experience unique day-to-day medical challenges that you’ll play a role addressing. But in addition to providing care for people who need it, you might just find yourself in a place with amazing experiences like wine and cheese tastings, farm-fresh food, and easy access to national parks. 

FAQs about rural locum tenens

We get questions from physicians looking to separate fact from fiction on going into rural locums all the time. You deserve answers that help you establish a sense of trust and certainty about how roles in rural locums can shape your career and lifestyle.

What does housing actually look like in remote areas? Am I staying in a hotel, or is there dedicated physician housing?

Housing in remote areas can be either a hotel or dedicated physician housing. But regardless of which one, your recruiter should provide you with clarity and details about housing, especially if you need alternate options.

If I spend three months in a rural critical access hospital, will that look strange on my CV to future employers? Will I be seen as “out of practice”?

No. Critical access hospitals are looked on with respect by prospective employers who understand that these are demanding positions requiring high levels of skill, patient relations, and cultural competency. You will want to make sure that your application materials emphasize this, and provide clear examples of how that work contributed to your practice, career path and continued professional development.

Are the malpractice premiums different for these rural sites? Does the agency's coverage still apply?

The agency typically covers malpractice insurance so the doc can travel anywhere. This means that functionally, there is no difference between rural and urban premiums for the locums physician.

If I'm the only specialist, what does a rural call schedule actually look like? Am I expected to be “on” 24/7 for the length of my contract?

Rural healthcare facilities tend to have less buffers than large metropolitan areas, meaning you’ll be expected to be ready to go if call schedules are included in your contract. That being said, to manage expectations you’ll need clarity on the communication structure at your facility from day one. Expectations around response times and contacts should be clearly spelled out in your contract.

Legends are made here.

We said it. Rural locums life is a chance for adventure, care and community. Physicians like you are making a difference for rural patients and building the networks of care they need to thrive. Our partnership style puts you at the center of everything we do– including negotiating for pay commensurate with your expertise.

So whether you’re just starting or thinking about making some changes to your current locums side gig, our team has your back. Step into your locums legend era.