How to Find the Perfect Locum Doctor or Agency Doctor for Your Practice

Locum and agency doctors are a valuable asset for medical practices, especially those that require extra support during busy periods, staff shortages, or when a doctor is on leave. However, finding the right locum or agency doctor can be challenging and time-consuming. Here's how you can find the perfect locum or agency doctor for your practice with Locum Express.

Know Your Needs

The first step in finding the perfect locum or agency doctor is to know your needs. Before you start searching, consider what kind of doctor you need, what level of experience they should have, and what their specializations should be. Knowing your needs will help you narrow down your search and make it easier to find the right candidate.

When considering what kind of locum or agency doctor to hire, think about whether they will be working full-time or part-time, whether they need to have a specific skill set, such as surgical expertise or experience with a particular patient population, and whether there are any language requirements that need to be met.

Search for Candidates

Once you know what kind of locum or agency doctor you're looking for, it's time to start searching for candidates. There are several ways to do this:

- Use Locum Express: Locum Express specialize in matching employers with job candidates. We'll help you find suitable candidates quickly and efficiently.
- Post ads online: You can post ads on job boards and social media platforms such as LinkedIn to attract potential candidates.
- Ask for referrals: Reach out to colleagues in the medical field who may know someone who would be suitable for the position.

When searching for candidates, make sure that you're clear about your expectations and requirements. Be upfront about the length of employment needed, pay rates, work schedule expectations etc.

Interview Candidates

Once you've found potential candidates through your search, it's time to start interviewing them. The interview process will help you assess whether they have the necessary skills and experience to meet your needs.

During the interview, ask questions that will help you understand their experience with your specific practice needs. These are questions our team in Locum Express ask during our screening process but consider asking any potential candidate:

- What relevant experience do you have?
- What are your strengths and weaknesses?
- How would you approach working with our practice?
- Can you provide references?

It's important to remember that not all candidates will be a good match for your practice. Be prepared to ask follow-up questions and trust your instincts when making a final decision.

Conclusion

Finding the perfect locum or agency doctor is crucial for maintaining the quality of care provided by your medical practice. By taking the time to understand your needs, searching for candidates effectively, and conducting thorough interviews, you can find a locum or agency doctor who will be a valuable asset in supporting your patients' health and well-being. 

For more information on any of our roles contact a member of our Locum Express team on +353 (0)21 4297901 or email us at info@locumexpress.ie. You can also register online here.