As demand for patient care grows and the physician shortage continues, locum tenens clinicians are vital in maintaining care continuity by filling staffing gaps across healthcare systems.
These committed physicians and APPs respond when and where they’re needed, often on short notice, whether in a busy urban area or a remote rural setting.
OnCall Solutions is proud to celebrate the ninth annual National Locum Tenens Week, taking place this year from August 11 to 15, 2025.
With over 52,000 clinicians stepping up to care for patients nationwide, National Locum Tenens Week is a time to pause and say “thank you” while recognizing their essential contributions. Locums bring their expertise and compassion to underserved areas, making a significant difference in patients’ lives every day.
“Clinical quality and patient safety is—and always will be—at the heart of what we do,” said Scott Shapiro, MD, FACC, CEO and Founder of OnCall Solutions. “Our Locum tenens clinicians play an essential leadership role as part of the health care team, upholding the highest standards of care, especially in moments of transition or strain. Their presence ensures that patient outcomes are never compromised, no matter the circumstance. We are thankful for the vital role our clinicians play in ensuring care remains consistent and compassionate in every corner of the country.”
According to the AMA, a shortage of 86,000 physicians is projected by 2036, driven primarily by an aging patient population and the expected retirements of physicians. With 94% of healthcare facilities employing locum providers, their work is crucial to filling these gaps and ensuring patients always have the care they need.
Ralph Gonzalez, MD, Executive Chief Medical Officer at OnCall Solutions, expressed how getting the right provider in the right place at the right time is what drives better patient outcomes. “Our locum tenens clinicians excel at delivering high-impact care, quickly adapting to new environments and meeting the needs of communities across the country. Their dedication is both strategic and deeply human. We are thankful for all of the locum and float pool clinicians across the country dedicating their lives to the betterment of others.”
As the need for locum providers grows each year, it’s particularly meaningful for locum tenens providers to work with an agency led by someone who has walked in their shoes.
OnCall Solutions President Mike Skovira, MPAS, PA-C, a previous locum tenens provider and licensed physician assistant, brings a unique understanding of the challenges and rewards of this work. His firsthand experience ensures that OnCall is deeply attuned to the needs and concerns of the clinicians it serves, fostering a supportive and effective partnership.
“The cost of staffing shortages is more than financial; it’s measured in burnout, missed opportunities, and compromised patient care. Partnering with the right clinical staffing organization isn’t just smart, it’s essential,” he said.
“Sustainable, long-term staffing solutions require thoughtful planning, flexible models, and a partner who understands the realities of today’s healthcare landscape. We’re grateful to support every clinician who steps up to serve when and where they’re needed most, and to partner with every healthcare facility that needs our help with clinical staffing,” Skovira added.
As locum tenens physicians and APPs continue to play an increasingly vital role in patient care, we feel it’s more important than ever to ensure they feel valued and respected for their dedication.
“Locum tenens providers are essential to delivering high-quality care when and where it’s needed most,” said Kristen Marsh, Chief Solutions Officer, OnCall Solutions. “At a time when staffing shortages continue to challenge hospitals nationwide, flexible and sustainable workforce solutions are key to ensuring clinical excellence and continuity of care. We’re incredibly grateful to our clinicians who serve communities across the country with such professionalism, purpose, and compassion.”
At OnCall Solutions, we’d like to express our gratitude to locum tenens clinicians nationwide. Your commitment and compassion are essential to ensuring that every patient receives the care they need, when they need it. Thank you for the incredible work you do.