Some call it dedication. Others call it duty. But those words barely scratch the surface.
Being a physician isn’t just what you do—it’s who you are. And on National Doctors’ Day 2025, we’re reflecting on what that really means, especially for those who practice medicine a little differently.
This year’s theme, “Behind the Mask: Caring for Caregivers,” reminds us that doctors—yes, even the ones who seem tireless—need care, too. And if anyone knows what it means to carry that weight while carving out space to breathe, it’s you: the locum tenens physicians who step into the unknown with purpose, adaptability, and grit.
You’re the ones who travel where you’re needed, often with little notice. You bring stability to stretched-thin teams and compassion to unfamiliar communities. You balance clinical excellence with personal autonomy, proving that it’s possible to practice medicine without losing yourself in the process.
“Our locum physicians don’t just fill shifts,” said Interim Physicians CEO Tim Hand. “They bring relief to overextended teams. They bring calm to facilities in crisis. And they do it all while prioritizing their own well-being. That kind of balance—purpose without burnout—is what healthcare should look like.”
We hear it in your stories.
Dr. Asif M. once thrived as a hospital leader, balancing administrative responsibilities with direct patient care and global travel. But when COVID-19 stripped away that rhythm and left him on call 24/7, burnout came fast. When the world reopened, so did a new possibility: locum tenens. With Interim, he found a way to practice again—on his terms, in the places he chooses, with freedom to keep exploring.
For Dr. Nadia P., the appeal of locums was clear from the start. After finishing residency, she tried a full-time hospitalist role but quickly realized that structure wasn’t for her. She’s been a locum ever since—ten years and counting. “Medicine is medicine no matter where or how I practice,” she said. “I’m not loyal to a system—I’m loyal to my patients.” That mindset keeps her work fresh, and her career fulfilling.
Dr. Theodora F. didn’t just change careers—she left medicine entirely after the intense strain of critical care during the pandemic. She explored real estate, earned an insurance license, and gave herself the space to breathe. But when she was ready to return, it was locum tenens that gave her the flexibility to reconnect with patient care. Today, she works 13 shifts a month, makes every school event for her kids, and finally feels like the balance is hers to hold.
These aren’t outliers. These are you.
You are the reason hospitals stay open. You are the reason patients don’t fall through the cracks. You carry the culture of medicine forward—not in spite of your mobility, but because of it.
So today, we’re not just celebrating your credentials. We’re honoring the boundaries you’ve set, the courage you’ve shown, and the freedom you’ve fought to keep.
You’re more than a caregiver. You’re a trailblazer. And behind the mask, we see you.
Happy Doctors’ Day. We’re proud to work with you, to advocate for you, and to support you every step of the way.
