Career Corner: Finding Autonomy and Meaning through Locum Tenens: Advice from A Locums Dermatologist

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Finding Autonomy and Meaning through Locum Tenens: Advice from A Locums Dermatologist

Special thanks to Dr. Ista Egbeto for sharing her reflections and insights on locum tenens as a dermatologist. Dr. Egbeto is a board-certified dermatologist based in Illinois.

Why did you decide on locums?

Dr. Egbeto:

Locum tenens gives me the flexibility to serve diverse communities while continuing to grow as a dermatologist. Moving between different practice settings challenges me clinically and brings fresh insight to my home practice.

As a mom of two young children, locums allows me to maintain a career I love while still creating space for my family. I can choose assignments that fit my schedule and support a healthy work-life balance.

Most importantly, locums lets me show up where dermatologic care is needed most. Filling those gaps, even briefly, keeps me connected to service, compassion, and the heart of why I chose this field.

 

Now that you have been doing this for several months, what do you feel are some of the benefits and downside of choosing locums?

Dr. Egbeto:

Locum tenens offers meaningful flexibility, allowing dermatologists to choose when and where they work while gaining exposure to diverse patient populations and practice settings. It can be financially advantageous and provides opportunities to make a real impact in underserved areas, all while supporting a healthier work-life balance.

The trade-offs include less stability and limited continuity of care, along with the need to constantly adapt to new systems, EMRs, and clinic cultures. As a temporary provider, you also have less influence on long-term practice decisions or improvement initiatives, which may matter to those who value shaping a clinic over time.


Can you speak to the process of selecting your assignments - what factors do you use to decide where you'll work, and how have you navigated your assignments with having a family?

Dr. Egbeto:

When choosing locums assignments, I focus on clinical fit, logistical ease, compensation, and how well the opportunity aligns with my long-term goals. I intentionally selected positions within my home state and driving distance, which allowed me to make a meaningful impact without the disruption of extensive travel. I look for sites where I can support patient access, work alongside efficient and collaborative teams, and continue developing as a new attending.

Navigating locums with a family means being intentional about what works for us. Staying close to home has allowed me to maintain stability for my children while still benefiting from the flexibility that locums provides. I plan assignments around my partner’s schedule, childcare needs, and the natural rhythms of our household.

 

How have you navigated building relationships with patients when you are on a short-term assignment?

Dr. Egbeto:

Because many of my assignments are in rural areas with limited access to dermatologic care, I am intentional about ensuring patients do not fall through the cracks. This includes making sure follow-up and handoffs to other providers are clear, coordinated, and timely. I prioritize thorough communication with both patients and the permanent team, so they feel supported long after my assignment ends. Whether it is detailed documentation or arranging necessary follow-up, my goal is for patients to feel truly cared for beyond that single visit.

For example, when I see a patient with malignant melanoma, in addition to placing the referral to surgical oncology, I call personally to confirm they have an appointment within a reasonable timeframe. I continue to follow up with the patient and other teams as needed, even after my assignment concludes. These extra steps help build trust and ensure continuity of care, regardless of how long I am on site.


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