Life as a New Locum 2024

Lantum’s 2024 edition of our annual 21st Century GP webinar series for newly qualified and First5 GPs kicked off with a bang at the end of August! 

Our first session, "Life as a New Locum" with Dr Ishani Patel, GP and Lantum co-founder, and Dr Leila El-Bakkali, London-based locum GP, was a great discussion about everything a new locum needs to know. 

From the big things (finances and networking) to the little (finding parking and keeping track of your stethoscope), read on to learn how you can set yourself up for success. 

What’s going on with the availability of locum work?

Naturally, the first question for many new locums is “How do I find work?”

Between market changes for locum GPs and a general election, the simple truth is that finding work isn’t as easy as it used to be. 

“GP locums across the country have enjoyed a lot of range, diversity of clinical working options, and rate negotiations,” said Dr Patel. While this might not currently be the case, she emphasises that the market is constantly changing, and locum work is bound to pick up given funding changes and new opportunities. 

If you want to know more about finding locum work, watch our webinar: Finding Locum Work (Don’t Panic)

Otherwise, Dr El-Bakkali and Dr Patel both emphasised the importance of networking, whether it’s through:

• CCT WhatsApp groups that share opportunities
• PCN or ICB-led flexible staff pools
• Lantum’s platform for finding GP locum work

Make locum life work for you: Things to consider 

In locum life, balance is key. But Dr Patel and Dr El-Bakkali discussed how balance looks different for everyone — from the number of sessions you work to the type of work you pick up. 

Dr El-Bakkali started with two to three sessions a week because she knew she wanted a bit of a break after training, and then chose to ram up after she got more comfortable seeing patients on her own. 

It’s important to consider things like:

• What you need to feel fulfilled
• What you want from your career
• What interests and excites you
• How you’re going to develop professionally
• Your professional brand
• Avoiding burnout
• The minimum financial income you need to be comfortable

Everyone has different priorities and commitments, but the beauty of locum life is that you can tailor your career to make it work for you. 

Staying organised as a locum GP

As a locum GP, you’re not just a doctor — you’re a small business owner. Getting organised and financially educated will help you optimise your income and avoid unforced errors.

Keep your records

Keep hold of all your records for a minimum of seven years, in case you’re audited or need to refer back. Using one credit card or account for business expenses can save you a lot of time going through statements. 

When it comes to invoices and pensions paperwork, Lantum can help create and track your payments by keeping them all in one place. 

Locum rates

Locum rates vary widely based on where you are, what type of session it is and what the patient population is like. 

Regardless, Dr Patel emphasised that you should be clear with your terms and conditions. Clarify the cost of the employer’s pension contributions and expect to incorporate it into your fees. 

When it comes to invoicing, be aware that payment terms are usually 30 days. If you want next-day payments, be sure to sign up to Rocketpay on Lantum for just 1.5% of your total session earnings. 

For more info on locum rates, download our September 2024 guide and watch our “Finding Locum Work (Don’t Panic)” webinar.

Stress the little things

When you start at a new practice, understanding what’s expected of you can help set you up for success. Dr Patel's and Dr El-Bakkali's top tips include:

• Figure out where the bathroom is at the start of your session
• Put an AirTag on your stethoscope to avoid it going missing or getting lost
• Check on the traffic and parking situation before you leave — in one memorable incident, Dr Patel had to dodge traffic from a Taylor Swift concert
• Have the contact number of the practice manager to hand

Small details can make a big difference in ensuring the day runs smoothly. 

Making a good impression

A first impression is hard to redo — and in order to secure repeat work, it’s important to get it right!

Before you start at a new clinic, be sure to read your locum pack and any other induction materials. If you’re missing anything, check with the practice manager. 

Understand the expectations of:

• How you’ll be working
• What admin time you have
• Who you can go to with questions
• What the process is for prescribing and referrals

Always do your best to get involved with meetings and engage with the practice to build vital relationships. 

“If you see an interesting case and want to know what happened because you’re referring, and you’re suspecting cancer or a safeguarding concern, it’s perfectly OK to contact the practice as part of your appraisal reflection,” recommended Dr Patel.

“That shows you care beyond the appointment in front of you, and it shows your commitment to quality.”

The benefits of using Lantum as a new GP

One of the best parts of being a GP today is that there are a wide variety of tools that can make your life simpler. 

When you sign up to Lantum, you have access to a wide range of flexible work options close by. You’re in control of the shifts you apply for, and can unlock next-day payments with Rocketpay. 

Lantum is free to use, and helps you automate invoicing and pensions paperwork in seconds — so you can say goodbye to late-night admin and chasing GP practices for payment. 

From negotiating with clients to filtering work based on your interests, you have the power to stay in control of your schedule. 

Learn more about Lantum for locum GPs and sign up today.

Final thoughts: Making locum life work for you

Working as a locum is an incredible opportunity to develop skills, try out new working environments, build a professional network and set yourself up for long-term success. 

Even with challenges in the current locum market, there are lots of ways you can be successful at making locum work for you. 

Want more info? Download the slides from this webinar here, or watch the full recording here.