Locum tenem is by definition a short term arrangement, usually less than 90 days. It is always a “band-aid” until the program can find a long-term solution. We are a longterm solution and actively avoid Locums work. We do work under a Professional Service agreement, not as employees, to provide the consulting, management and staffing necessary for the provision of cardiac, thoracic and vascular surgery.

No, no one will be working by themselves in any scenario. Even if placed in a program in which you are the sole provider at the time, there will be scheduled time away from the program, provided by the group. Additionally, we want our surgeons to feel at ease in discussing cases within the group. We all do this and we think it adds not only to the enjoyment of practice but also improves patient care.

Many hospitals would prefer to hire their own, largely because they have more control in that scenario. Frankly, this is a large part of why surgeons find the employed model less than satisfying. This also, clearly, varies by employer. Having said that, even hospitals that would prefer to hire their own surgeons, use us because they cannot find the surgeons they want, cannot find the experience they want, lack the expertise to manage a group of surgeons, or do not have the time to organically grow a practice. It may sound trite but having a group is very different than hiring a group of surgeons. Locums is a “band-aid” and hospitals are not looking for that to be their solution but rather a way to get down the road to the solution.

We provide a premium service and our surgeons can be expected to make a premium on the work they do.

It varies by the needs of the program but in all instances there is relief from the group.

We strive to provide the solution that the program needs and to match the needs of the programs with the capabilities of the surgeons.

Generally we have left the staffing and management of the office and clinics to the program. We do, however, remain active in making sure that the office and clinic meet both the needs of the surgeons and their patients.