The fast-paced, high-pressure culture of medicine makes physician burnout a constant hazard at healthcare facilities across the country. While most healthcare administrators recognize that the threat of workplace exhaustion is real, many don't fully understand the severity of the problem. The 2018 Survey of America’s Physicians: Practice Patterns and Perspectives, released by Merritt Hawkins on behalf of The Physicians Foundation, revealed that despite an evolving work model, many clinicians continue to struggle with professional fatigue on various levels. Some key findings of those polled include:

•       78 percent sometimes, often, or always experience feelings of burnout
•       80 percent of physicians are at full capacity or are overextended
•       55 percent describe their morale as somewhat or very negative

As the president of Locum Tenens Partners, I believe that one of my biggest goals is to do more than build a successful medical staffing business. I strive every day to build a thriving medical staffing community—a gift I first experienced as a child growing up on our family farm. We created community wherever we could find it. We were fortunate enough to be surrounded by a wonderful crew of neighbors who were connected in ways that went beyond our close proximity. We helped each other, cared for one another and, in general, just did life together.

Launching Your Locum Tenens Career? Ask These Three Questions to Find the Right Agency

Lao Tzu said: “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” The first step in your successful locum tenens journey begins by selecting the right locum tenens firm. It’s an important decision, which can (and often does) color your entire experience as a locum tenens physician. Go into the process armed with the information you need to select a qualified, experienced, and innovative locum tenens recruiter for your job search. Below are three essential questions to ask every prospective locum tenens agency before making your final decision.