The Locumstory Podcast | Locum Tenens Insights from Real-Life Physicians, PAs, NPs & CRNAs

Dr. Luke Wendt is an OBGYN who has built locum tenens into his career alongside a full-time job. He first discovered locums through a friend during residency, something that was never mentioned in his training, and what started as a way to pay down some student loans quickly became something he genuinely enjoys.

Years later, he still makes time for locums, drawn to the flexibility, the travel, and the chance to practice in communities that need the help.

In this episode, Dr. Wendt joins us to talk about how he got started and what a...

Dr. Kahlon is a family medicine physician and content creator who jumped straight into locum tenens after finishing residency in 2023, before most people were even talking about it.

Since then she’s practiced across multiple states, navigated new licenses, and built an engaged social media following sharing the realities of early-career locums life.

In this episode, she joins us to talk about why she chose flexibility over a traditional contract right out of training, how locums lets her focus more on her patients, the fear she had to push through to get started, and how sh...

Christopher Adams has done just about every version of a CRNA career. Since finishing his training at VCU in 2006, he's worked as a full-time nurse anesthetist in a Level I trauma center, led a team of 40 as chief CRNA, stepped back into clinical practice, and now teaches the next generation as adjunct faculty at VCU.

Without ever leaving his home health system, he's added a locums contract and local per diem shifts on top of his full-time role, building a hybrid model that gives him more control over his schedule and income. In this episode, Christopher joins...

Dr. Trevor Cabrera, the self-described Nomadic Pediatrician, first joined us on Episode 4 as a new resident who chose locum tenens as his very first job. Six years later he's back at a pivotal moment, having used locums strategically at two big transitions, straight out of residency and again after his neonatology fellowship, and now stepping into a permanent role.

In this episode, Dr. Cabrera talks about how locums helped him pay off his student debt in three years, why that freedom reshaped how he thinks about his career, and how he sees locums as a smart bridge...

Barbie Matroni, a consultant at Weatherby Healthcare who has spent twelve years working exclusively in the oncology and hematology space, says demand has never been higher.

In this episode, she joins us to break down what the oncology locums market actually looks like: why demand has surged since 2020, how continuity of care and flexible schedules coexist, where the need is greatest, and the common questions and misconceptions she hears from physicians.

She also shares what separates the oncologists who thrive in locums from those who struggle, and her advice for anyone thinking about dipping a...

Dr. Lynn Smith is a family medicine and urgent care physician whose career has taken him from a 23-year practice in rural Arizona to locum tenens assignments on the Navajo reservation, in Wisconsin, and abroad in New Zealand. 

Today he practices primarily through medical mission work, serving communities in Honduras, Thailand, Guatemala, Peru, and beyond with organizations like the CHG Healthcare Foundation and International Medical Relief. 

In this episode, Dr. Smith joins us to share the stories and lessons behind a life of global medicine: what drew him to travel and mission work, how locums hel...

Dr. Faullin Paletsky has spent nearly a decade as a full-time locum tenens hospitalist. A night-shift nocturnist who gravitates toward critical access hospitals and has practiced all over the country, he brings a procedural skill set most hospitalists don't like intubations, ventilator management, and central lines.

In this episode, Dr. Paletsky joins us to talk about why he chose locums over a permanent job, how he picks assignments and vets locums agencies, life on the road with his wife and their two toy poodles, and his advice for physicians considering the leap.

Enjoyed this episode...

Board-certified nephrologist and hospitalist Dr. Amy Sprague joins us to share the wisdom of a career spanning nearly four decades. After completing her internal medicine residency at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu and spending some 30 years in private practice, Dr. Sprague turned to locum tenens around the start of COVID and never looked back.

In this episode, Dr. Sprague reflects on the remarkable change she's witnessed in medicine and how her military roots prepared her for the adaptability locums demands. She talks about building a far-ranging career across states like Oregon, Hawaii, South Dakota, and Texas...

Board-certified vascular surgeon Dr. Lucas Ferrer joins the Locumstory Podcast to share how locum tenens became the bridge out of academia and into a career built on his own terms. After finishing his fellowship at Baylor in 2018, Dr. Ferrer felt the pull of a new challenge and locums gave him a way to keep his hands in open surgery while building something of his own.

In this episode, Dr. Ferrer talks about why he gravitates toward smaller community hospitals, how working with CompHealth helped him find the right assignments, and shares practical advice. He also shares about...

Physician assistant Alex Oliver joins the Locumstory Podcast to share how he traded a permanent role at a Boston academic hospital for the freedom of full-time locum tenens. A former firefighter and paramedic, Alex found his way into trauma and general surgery as a PA. After easing into locums part-time around his full-time job in late 2024, he discovered the work was more fulfilling, better compensated, and a lot more fun. So he made the leap.

In this episode, Alex talks about working with Weatherby Healthcare to build a schedule that works for him, why he loves stepping...

Today’s episode features Kaitlyn Kruczynski, a senior locum tenens consultant who joins us to share how the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) is reshaping the way physicians work. With nearly eight years of experience supporting general, trauma, and vascular surgeons, Kaitlyn explains how the compact helps physicians reduce burnout, gain flexibility, and reach communities that may not otherwise have access to care.

She breaks down the IMLC in simple terms and offers practical advice for anyone considering it. From eligibility to renewal reminders, Kaitlyn shares why so many physicians tell her they wish they’d applied soon...

Emergency Medicine physician Dr. Helena shares her inspiring journey in emergency medicine, from Budapest to the U.S., and her unique insights as an international medical graduate. She offers practical insight into navigating medical school abroad, matching into EM, managing residency challenges, and recognizing the early signs of burnout.

Dr. Helena also discusses choosing flexibility through locum tenens and building a life that is filled with travel, languages, content creation, and creative pursuits outside of medicine.

Follow Dr. Helena's journey on Instagram: @a.youngdoctors.journey

Family medicine physician Dr. Viktoria Hasselhof joins us to share how she built a flexible, adventure‑driven career that spans two continents and a wide range of clinical environments. After completing medical school in Germany and finishing residency in Ohio during the height of COVID‑19, she stepped directly into locum tenens work, embracing a path that allowed her to practice in communities from South Dakota to Oregon to the remote Hawaiian island of Molokai.

Dr. Hasselhof reflects on leading inpatient care during South Dakota’s first COVID wave, navigating multi‑state licensing, and managing the logistics of practici...

With more than a decade of experience placing physicians and shaping the next generation of recruiters, Simon Parsons joins us to share his perspective on the realities of locums, from red flags to avoid to the traits of recruiters who genuinely advocate for clinicians. Over 12 years as a physician rep on the general surgery team, Simon placed more than 240 physicians and helped them earn over $40 million in compensation — but what drives him isn’t the numbers. It’s the transformation he’s witnessed when physicians finally reclaim autonomy, balance, and control over their careers.

Simon shares how understa...

Physician assistant and travel content creator Robert Vagueiro — known online as The Traveling PA — joins us to share how he’s built a career that blends surgery, adventure, and intentional work‑life balance. Robert discovered his passion for the operating room during clinical rotations and has since built a diverse surgical career spanning general surgery, bariatrics, vascular, urology, and now cardiac surgery.

Robert walks through how he navigated each specialty transition, the importance of “just showing up” to build skills early in your career, and how lateral mobility within the PA profession has allowed him to continually grow while s...

Cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. J. Mark Pool joins us to share how he rebuilt his career after stepping away from a long‑time W‑2 role and discovering locum tenens in 2023. After more than a decade of Q2 call, building service lines, and carrying a demanding surgical workload, Dr. Pool found himself burned out, navigating administrative conflict, and unsure of what came next. A three‑month sabbatical — and a well‑timed phone call — opened the door to a completely new way of practicing medicine.

Dr. Pool walks through how he went from skepticism about locums to securing his first assignment i...

Dermatologist Dr. Leah Cardwell joins us to share how she reshaped her career in 2025 by transitioning into locum tenens work while pursuing a year‑long hair transplant fellowship. Dr. Cardwell realized she wanted more flexibility to deepen her expertise in hair loss and surgical restoration — and locums became the key that made it possible.

Dr. Cardwell walks through how she balances her fellowship training in Orlando with locums assignments in Alabama and South Dakota, and how she built a schedule that supports both her professional growth and her life at home in Atlanta. She discusses the learning curv...

Family medicine physician Dr. Steven Gordon joins us this episode to reflect on a remarkable career spanning private practice, the Indian Health Service, and more than a decade of locum tenens work across rural and remote communities. Known for his long‑running blog Walkabout Doc and his thoughtful writing on Doximity Op‑Med, Dr. Gordon has spent years documenting the realities of modern medicine — from burnout to joy, from system pressures to the deep meaning found in patient care.

Dr. Gordon shares how the mounting administrative burdens and 80‑hour workweeks pushed him toward burnout in private practice, and how...

CPA and certified financial planner Ben Nanney joins the us to break down the financial essentials every locum tenens physician should understand. Through his firm, Locums Tax PLLC, Ben works exclusively with 1099 physicians, helping them navigate taxes, business ownership, and long‑term planning with clarity and confidence.

In this episode, Ben shares how he found his way into financial services, why he’s passionate about supporting physicians, and what makes locums providers uniquely positioned — and uniquely challenged — when it comes to managing their money. He walks through the “13‑chapter book” approach he uses with clients, emphasizing proactive planning, year...

Internal medicine physician, academic hospitalist, and financial coach Dr. Brittne Halford shares how she built a career rooted in purpose, representation, and financial empowerment. After completing residency, Dr. Halford paid off her six‑figure student loan debt in under three years — a milestone that sparked her passion for helping others transform their financial lives.

Alongside her academic work, she nurtured a lifelong entrepreneurial drive that eventually led her to launch More Joy, More Wealth, a financial coaching company dedicated to helping healthcare professionals build confidence, clarity, and long‑term stability in their money decisions.

In this e...

Neonatal nurse practitioner Thomas Cotto joins us to share his unexpected path into healthcare, his 15‑year career in the NICU, and what ultimately led him to transition into locum tenens work. After a decade in project management, Thomas made the leap into nursing, quickly discovering a passion for neonatal care.

Thomas reflects on his years in a high‑volume Level III NICU, the mentors and experiences that built his clinical foundation, and the moment he realized he needed a change. He walks through his early travel and PRN experiences, what drew him to Weatherby Healthcare, and how he e...

Emergency medicine physician, entrepreneur, and disaster‑medicine–trained leader Dr. Moiz Qureshi joins us to share how he built a career that blends clinical practice, administrative leadership, and startup innovation. After years in academic and executive roles, Dr. Qureshi transitioned into full‑time locum tenens to gain the flexibility he needed to pursue his entrepreneurial goals.

In this episode, he reflects on growing up as a second‑generation emergency physician, the mentors and experiences that shaped his training, and the moment he realized that the traditional W‑2 model no longer aligned with the life he wanted to build. Dr...

Pediatric anesthesiologist Dr. Leonardo Gendzel joins the Locumstory Podcast to share his path from medical school in Brazil to training at Yale and building a successful career across top U.S. children’s hospitals. After years in academic and leadership roles, Dr. Gendzel recently made the leap into full‑time locum tenens — and he’s reflects on what inspired the change.

Dr. Gendzel also breaks down the realities of transitioning from a W‑2 role to 1099 work, including the financial considerations, lifestyle shifts, and the freedom that ultimately drew him to locums. Dr. Gendzel shares practical advice on choosing t...

In this episode, we sit down with Kristin Burton, MPAS, PA-C—a pulmonary and critical care physician assistant and founder of Millionaires in Medicine. Kristin shares her incredible journey from paying off over $160,000 in student loans in just 16 months to reaching millionaire status by age 31. She explains how financial literacy transformed her life and why it’s essential for medical professionals to prioritize it.

We also dive into Kristin’s career path, from clinical work to adjunct faculty roles, expert witness gigs, and entrepreneurship, offering practical tips on time management, networking, and building wealth without sacrificing your medica...

Dr. Jillian Merica, an emergency medicine physician, shares her story of transitioning from a middle school science teacher to a career in medicine and how locum tenens work gave her the flexibility to thrive. She explains her unconventional path, her first locums assignment in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the lessons she learned balancing family life with a demanding clinical career.

From cultural experiences to financial planning and finding permanent roles through locums, Dr. Merica offers candid advice and practical insights for anyone considering locum tenens or a career pivot in medicine.

Ready to...

Board-certified family medicine physician, Dr. Eberechi Ekechukwu, joins us to share her journey from rural primary care to full-time emergency medicine through locum tenens work. Dr. Ekechukwu turned to locums as a flexible way to support her family, explore new places, and reclaim control over her schedule.

Dr. Ekechukwu opens up about the challenges of switching specialties, the learning curve of emergency medicine, and the freedom that comes with choosing when and where to work.

Interested in learning more about locum tenens? Check out Weatherby (weatherbyhealthcare.com) to learn more.

Physician Assistant Meg Walker has embraced the locum tenens lifestyle to gain flexibility, financial freedom, and adventure in her career. Meg shares her journey from working in underserved clinics and oncology to discovering locums as a way to balance work and life while exploring new places.

She dives into the realities of credentialing, choosing assignments, and comparing W-2 versus 1099 employment. Plus, Meg offers practical advice for PAs considering locums and explains how these experiences have strengthened her clinical skills and opened doors to unexpected opportunities.

Ready to explore locum tenens for yourself? Check out Weatherby...

Gastroenterologist Dr. Alex Sarkisian has built a fulfilling career through locum tenens work, all while sharing his journey and insights on social media. From early misconceptions about locums to building a multi-facility schedule that balances clinical variety and family life, Dr. Sarkisian offers a candid look at what it means to practice medicine on your own terms.

He discusses how locums has allowed him to prioritize time with his children, maintain a diverse skill set across inpatient, outpatient, and endoscopy settings, and even explore creative outlets through social media. Dr. Sarkisian also shares practical advice on contract...

Dr. Mark Komorowski, a board-certified plastic surgeon who has successfully blended private practice with locum tenens work shares his experiences in locum tenens. With over 30 years of experience in solo practice, Dr. Komorowski shares how locums gave him a fresh perspective, renewed energy, and the flexibility to continue doing what he loves—without the administrative burden.

From trauma centers in Tacoma to assignments in South Dakota and Georgia, Dr. Komorowski reflects on the value of being a “relief pitcher,” the importance of adapting to new cultures, and the joy of reconnecting with patients through uninterrupted care. He also o...

Today we are joined by Dr. Lisa Kennedy, a seasoned family medicine physician whose career has spanned private practice, domestic locum tenens work, and international medical service. After more than 30 years in private practice, Dr. Kennedy transitioned into locums to rediscover her passion for medicine—and to finally fulfill her dream of living abroad. From community health centers in Appalachia to a year-long assignment in New Zealand, and most recently a medical relief mission in Poland supporting Ukrainian refugees, Dr. Kennedy shares how locums has allowed her to serve underserved populations, travel with purpose, and stay connected to her fa...

Join us in today’s episode as we explore the inspiring journey of Dr. Helen Rhodes, a board-certified OBGYN, author, and advocate for physician empowerment. 

With a career spanning academic medicine, private practice, and locum tenens work, Dr. Rhodes shares how she navigated multiple pivots in her professional life—including returning to OB after a decade-long hiatus—and found renewed purpose through locums.

Dr. Rhodes shares about balancing motherhood with medicine, building a career portfolio, and the inspiration behind her book, The Power to Pivot. She offers practical advice for early-career physicians, residents, and anyone feeling...

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. John Oglesby, a board-certified OB-GYN whose career spans decades of clinical excellence, leadership, and global service. From his early days in Utah to humanitarian missions across the globe, Dr. Oglesby shares how his journey led him to embrace locum tenens work full-time.

A father of ten and passionate advocate for sustainable medicine, Dr. Oglesby discusses the pivotal moments that shaped his career, the freedom and fulfillment locums has brought to his life, and how he balances family, travel, and clinical care. Whether he's delivering babies on the Oregon coast...

In the second half of our two-part panel discussion, we continue the conversation with experienced locum tenens physicians Dr. Black, Dr. Harlan, Dr. Napier, and Dr. Valdez. This episode dives deeper into the tools, relationships, and real-life scenarios that shape their work—from the MyCompHealth portal, to navigating unexpected hospital challenges and optimizing travel for better work-life balance.

You’ll hear how strong rep support, smart scheduling, and a little humor help these doctors stay focused on what matters most—caring for patients while maintaining a healthy work/life balance. If you missed Part 1, be sure to check...

In this special panel episode, we sit down with four experienced locum tenens physicians—Dr. Brian Harlan, Dr. Joshua Napier, Dr. Evan Black, and Dr. Orlando Valdez—to explore what drew them to the locums lifestyle.

From military service and private practice to burnout and career reinvention, each doctor shares their unique journey into locums and how it’s helped them reclaim flexibility, autonomy, and joy in their work. Tune in to hear how locums can be a powerful career move—at any stage of your journey.

Interested in locum tenens? Check out CompHealth (comphealth.com) to...

After a career spanning academia, pharma, and even restaurant ownership, Dr. Lydia Fazzio found herself at a crossroads.

She shares how locum tenens helped her reconnect with the heart of psychiatry, embrace uncertainty, and build meaningful connections with patients and colleagues.

Interested in locum tenens? Check out Weatherby Healthcare (weatherbyhealthcare.com) to learn more.

Today's guest, Dr. Gabrielle Johnson, dove straight into locum tenens work after residency. From her first nocturnist assignment in Minnesota to an adventurous six-month stint in Guam, she shares how locums gave her the freedom, flexibility, and personal growth she was seeking.

Dr. Johnson shares her unconventional journey into medicine, the challenges of transitioning from residency to independent practice, and the emotional intelligence required to thrive in ever-changing clinical environments. She also reflects on how locums has helped her explore the world beyond the hospital, build meaningful relationships, and rediscover her “why” in medicine.

Want to l...

Radiologist Dr. Sean Jersey has embraced the adventure of international locum tenens work in New Zealand post-retirement. Dr. Jersey shares his unique journey from a 15-year career as an Air Force engineer to pursuing radiology and eventually transitioning to locum tenens assignments abroad.

Dr. Jersey discusses the rewarding experiences of practicing medicine in New Zealand and enjoying the country's adventure sports during his off time. He gives insights into the logistics of practicing medicine abroad, including navigating visa processes, housing, and transportation with the support of a staffing agency. Dr. Jersey also touches on cultural and social...

Dr. Jenny Underwood, a board-certified OB-GYN from Texas has been navigating the world of locum tenens and telehealth since 2019. Dr. Underwood shares her unique journey from fellowship training at MD Anderson to embracing locum tenens work, which has allowed her to maintain her clinical skills while achieving a strong work-life balance.

Dr. Underwood discusses the challenges of balancing her professional responsibilities with raising three children, and how locum tenens has provided the flexibility she needed. She highlights the importance of choosing assignments based on schedule rather than location, and the support she received from locum agencies in...

Dr. Gary Drizin, a seasoned pulmonologist who transitioned to locum tenens work in semi-retirement, shares his journey from nearly four decades in private practice to embracing locum tenens assignments.

Originally planning to retire from his Pennsylvania-based practice, Dr. Drizin found a new path in locum tenens, allowing him to balance work with his love for skiing, hiking, and biking. He discusses the challenges and rewards of adapting to new environments, the importance of teamwork, and the positive impact of patient care on his life.

Tune in to hear Dr. Drizin's insights on navigating the Interstate...

Dr. Kirk Heath, a board-certified general surgeon and the founder of Modio Health, shares his unique journey from practicing medicine to pioneering healthcare IT solutions.

He discusses his transition from traditional practice to becoming the medical director of IT for a large healthcare system, to pursuing multiple entrepreneurial ventures.

Dr. Heath is the founder of Modio Health, a credentialing and career management solution for healthcare providers. Modio was acquired by CHG Healthcare in 2019.

Tune in to hear about the challenges and rewards of his career, the importance of adaptability, and his insights on...