The aging baby boomer generation is creating a multitude of new challenges for our already stretched thin health care sector. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, by 2030, all baby boomers will be older than 65, with about one in every five residents being of retirement age and increasing demand for health care services. Simultaneously, many of our clinicians are nearing retirement or choosing to retire early. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) predicts a shortage of up to 139,000 physicians by 2033.

How do we meet the growing health care needs of an aging population while many of our experienced providers are stepping down? The solution might lie in a somewhat novel approach: locum tenens.

The allure of flexibility and balance

Reflecting on my own career as a surgeon, I spent the last few years practicing as a locum tenens — a temporary physician filling gaps in care where there is a shortage of staff. This experience, once considered unconventional, might now be our answer. Rather than looking for silver-bullet solutions, we should consider practical options to address immediate needs.

Encouraging seasoned physicians to remain in practice a bit longer, but with the flexibility and balance that locum tenens positions offer, could help us navigate the “silver tsunami” more effectively. These roles allow physicians to continue contributing their expertise while enjoying a more adaptable work schedule.

I’ve spoken with several retired doctors who miss being in the field but don’t want the heavy responsibilities and long hours of a permanent practice. Locum tenens lets them re-engage with medicine without the full-time grind. They can work where they want, enjoy a lighter workload, and still make a meaningful impact. It’s a win-win: They stay connected to their passion, and hospitals get experienced hands to help out when needed.

Addressing burnout

There has been some good news on the burnout front — MGMA reported that of 493 medical groups polled, 67 percent had not had a physician leave or retire early due to burnout in 2023. Yet another survey also from 2023 from the Physician’s Foundation found that six in 10 doctors report feeling some form of burnout. There is ongoing work to be done. Colleagues I’ve spoken with share that the joy of practicing medicine has been overshadowed by business and organizational challenges. The growing physician shortage exacerbates this issue, as an aging population increases demand for medical services, pushing health care systems — and our physicians — to the brink.

A growing number of residents and physicians are turning to locum tenens at some point in their careers. Traditionally, locum tenens was mainly practiced by older physicians easing into retirement although trends are indicating that younger doctors value work-life balance over even income. Why not re-engage recently retired physicians or those nearing retirement through locum tenens? This would ensure continued patient support, avoid significant gaps in medical services, and mitigate the impact of the physician shortage while providing flexibility for the physicians themselves as health care navigates the growing number of older adults.

Bridging the gap in care

For retiring physicians who still want to contribute to the field, locum tenens can be a viable option. These positions offer the ability to set one’s own schedule, work when desired, and maintain a good income without the stress of managing a practice or being on call relentlessly. These providers focus solely on patient care without administrative burdens, making it an ideal choice for those nearing retirement or recently retired who still want to contribute.

Working as a locum tenens can provide a renewed sense of purpose and significantly benefit the community.

To encourage physicians to temporarily postpone retirement to practice as a locum tenens, here are a few suggestions for making it worth their while:

1. Simplify credentialing. Provider credentialing is complex, especially across different states. Many staffing companies that work with locum tenens handle all administrative work and red tape from start to finish.

2. Reduce tech headaches. Practicing as a locum tenens often means using different EHRs at various hospitals. Many older physicians are frustrated by technology demands. Locum positions can offer AI or human scribes to help with this transition.

3. Practice remotely. With the ongoing demand for telehealth, locum tenens can enhance telehealth programs. They provide both telehealth services and on-site care, transitioning easily between virtual and in-person visits.

Physicians are used to working relentless schedules, seeing more patients than they can realistically spend quality time with, and doing this consistently, but it takes a toll. Open conversations with physicians about their retirement plans and reasons can help practice administrators better understand their needs and help organizations retain doctors who might still want to deliver care part-time rather than leave the field entirely. Locum tenens positions could be the key to bridging the physician shortage gap, providing experienced care where it’s needed most, and allowing retired or near-retirement physicians to continue practicing on their own terms.

Kirk Heath is president and founder, Modio Health, a division of CHG Healthcare.

Kirk began his professional career as a board-certified general surgeon and served as a medical director of IT for Sentara Healthcare, as it pioneered the implementation of the electronic medical record into 13 hospitals in Virginia. He then translated that experience into the creation of a healthcare IT consulting and staffing firm. Kirk went on to start Modio Health, which was acquired by CHG Healthcare in 2019. Kirk is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a B.S. in business administration, followed by a medical degree at Eastern Virginia Medical School. He is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha honor society. He enjoys his time outdoors in Virginia Beach, on the water, with his wife and three children.