Top Specialties in Demand for Locum Tenens

How do you know if your medical expertise is in high-demand as a locum tenens provider?  

Here are the specialties currently at the top of the list! Providers in these high-demand specialties will likely have their choice of a variety of locations around the country, with higher pay and the opportunity for unique learning experiences. 

Family Medicine

The demand for family medicine is growing by an average of 2-4 percent a year with a shortage of approximately 48,000 family physicians predicted by 2034.  

Anesthesiology

As with many specialties on this list, the demand for anesthesiologists – and a projected shortage of 12,500 providers by 2033 – can be blamed on a high level of burnout and a growing number of physicians nearing retirement age. 

Emergency Medicine

Emergency Medicine is another specialty in high-demand all over the country. In recent surveys, nearly 10 percent of healthcare facilities report a need for locum tenens providers to fill the gap. Though the specialty is a relatively new one, it has seen solid growth due to a steady increase in emergency room visits over the last several decades – and the demand for these healthcare providers is not slowing down! 

OB/GYN

Though this specialty can be looked at as one with its ups and downs – depending on a community’s varying birth rates – an aging population guarantees an increasing need for gynecological care in all areas, but especially in rural and underserved urban areas. A 2022 report found that 2.2 million women in the United States lack access to care, meaning that many don’t receive routine healthcare, or must travel long distances to see a physician.  

Neurology

If you look at statistics from the Association of American Medical Colleges, you’ll see that nearly one-third of the nation’s neurologists are 65 or older – and leaning into retirement. With that in mind, this is a specialty where locum tenens services are expected to grow.  

Gastroenterology

As young adults seem to be developing more and more healthcare issues treated by gastroenterologists, it’s becoming harder and harder for physicians in this specialty to keep up with demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, between now and 2032, we’ll see a continued 3 percent job growth in gastroenterology – and with 50.8 percent of gastroenterologists aged 55 or older, we could see “nearly half of the current gastroenterologists retire in the next two decades.” 

Other specialties in high-demand include: internal medicine, psychiatry, hospitalists, medical oncology and surgeons. 

But no matter what your specialty, rest assured, with approximately 52,000 locum tenens physicians in the U.S., and nearly half of healthcare facilities increasing the number of locum tenens contracts over the last year, there’s a job for you! 

SUMO Medical Staffing has a proven track record in helping medical professionals find locum tenens assignments that best fit their specific needs. Our staffing representatives are ready to discuss your career goals and future. Request a consultation with a locum tenens staffing specialist today.