As a doctor, taking a break is important for maintaining my physical and mental health. But I am tired of the repeated struggle to find a locum each time I wish to take a holiday or attend a CME event.
Certainly, my colleagues can manage my practice temporarily, and I can direct my patients to our after-hours clinic. However, upon my return, I am greeted by a pile of reports to review and a long list of phone calls to make. I feel guilty for overburdening my partners, who might travel less frequently. The week of my return invariably turns chaotic, as it seems that my patients have withheld their problems, waiting for my return. This makes taking time away from my office seem more trouble than it is worth.
Finding a locum is always a hassle. The OMA once operated a website to connect locum physicians with doctors, but it was discontinued years ago after it became too burdensome to manage. HealthForceOntario allows me to post advertisements, but the site is outdated and their focus is primarily on underserved areas. Facebook is now routinely in use, but my ads get pushed down and lost. Typically, my best option to find a locum is through word-of-mouth; I might find one or two young physicians circulating through my colleagues' offices, but they are often booked solid, and I can rarely secure them for the dates I need.
This is why I created LocumsOntario—a website designed by a doctor for medical practitioners. LocumsOntario is independent, not sponsored by a large telecommunications nor pharmaceutical company. The website's goal is straightforward: to facilitate connections between interested locum practitioners and clinicians in need. It encourages locums to register and peruse advertisements posted by clinicians. Clinicians can advertise for free or choose to promote their advertisement for increased visibility.
Users can also choose to join ‘The Match’ – a state-of-the-art algorithm that notifies the advertising clinician when a locum practitioner lists availability and preferences that align with their own.
LocumsOntario originally came online in 2012 for physicians alone. With this latest iteration, I have added both nurse practitioners and recruiters to the site. NPs can now advertise their need for a locum, and physicians may designate their locum experience to be ‘suitable for an NP’. Moreover, recruiters can keep track of advertisements based on both the organizations and clinicians they represent. The site is simple yet powerful.
With LocumsOntario, your information remains private and secure. You do not receive unsolicited junk mail from our site. However, you will receive reminder emails when your advertisement is about to expire and, for those that join ‘The Match’, will receive email notifications when a potential locum has registered.
I am immensely proud of LocumsOntario and what it will mean for the well-being of Ontario’s medical practitioners. Have a look, I know you will be happy with it too.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jason Baker MD
Founder & CEO
LocumsOntario