Anyone in the industry can tell you that deep knowledge of the specialties you’re recruiting is paramount when it comes to locum tenens – and we agree.
However, there’s another important element that’s often overlooked in locum tenens recruiting: Geography.
Why is that? We spoke with experts Ryan Morrow (Consilium Partner and DVP of Primary Care) and Lisa Shabaro (VP of National Partnership Development at Consilium) for their take on why regional expertise is an advantage in locum tenens.
The Importance of Location
The process of hiring for locum tenens positions can be an added stressor to an already stressful industry.
Whether it’s an unexpected departure, covering extended leave, or managing seasonal demand spikes, an urgent need for coverage creates immense pressure on both your team and patient care standards.
The last thing you need during this critical time is a locum provider who arrives unprepared for your community’s realities.
Agencies with a geography focus can help find someone who understands your regional context from day one, integrates seamlessly with your existing team, and maintains the continuity of care that patients depend on.
Additionally, healthcare providers who feel genuinely connected to the communities they serve not only experience better job satisfaction, but often more career fulfillment. The right geographic match can reignite passion for medicine, while the wrong one can lead to burnout.
What Locum Tenens Experts Say
While geography might feel unnecessary to consider, Ryan Morrow disagrees. “A lack of geography and specialty focus can make it difficult to come through when locums are desperately needed,” he states.
“Every organization is different,” Morrow continues, “but one thing I’ve learned over the years is that when facilities can find candidates who are accustomed to the area or grew up around it, the results are just better.”
Morrow emphasizes that expertise in recruiting for a certain geography is crucial for an agency’s ability to truly help the organizations they partner with.
“It allows us not only to have better or more candidates to present, it allows us to make better placements which leaves everyone involved happy.”
When facilities and healthcare professionals both feel understood, you’re able to build exceptional partnerships.
“The culture of a community matters,” says Lisa Shabaro. “Patients want to interface with providers who ‘get them’, not just someone who will treat them.”
Shabaro goes on to say that every town has a tone, and Consilium’s experts spend countless hours developing that understanding.
The Bottom Line
By making regional expertise central to our approach, we transform what’s often viewed as just another recruitment challenge into a strategic advantage.
This benefits not only the healthcare organizations and professionals we partner with, but also the patients you serve.
If you’re ready to take the next step in your locum tenens journey, contact us today. We can’t wait to hear from you.
