Should Physicians Do Locums Work? Q&A With COO of CHG Healthcare Bill Heller

We recently had a chance to sit down with Bill Heller who is the COO of CHG Healthcare. If you’re not familiar with CHG, they are the nation's largest physician staffing company and they recently published a report called State of Locum Tenens 2025 offering a comprehensive look at the locums industry for physicians. Given all the interest we have seen from Offcall’s community around locums work, we wanted to talk with Bill about the key takeaways from the report and what they mean for physicians nationwide.

1. Bill, tell us about a few of your most important key conclusions from this year's State of Locum Tenens report. We’re really seeing a paradigm shift: Locum tenens is no longer just a temporary fix. It’s a core part of how health systems manage staffing, maintain care continuity, and reduce burnout. And utilization is growing — 80% of healthcare organizations plan to maintain or increase their use of locums next year. Actual usage in 2024 was 25% higher than anticipated. On top of that, physician interest is strong. One-third of U.S. physicians have worked locums. And those who do love the flexibility it affords them. Many use it to transition between roles, supplement income, or gain flexibility. 

2. For physicians specifically who are dealing with burnout and downward salary pressure, what does the data show about why locums may be an attractive option? Burnout relief is a huge reason why physicians love working locums. 43% of physicians reported improved burnout symptoms, and many cited better work-life balance and more control over their schedules. They also love the financial flexibility. With inflation-adjusted physician earnings down 33% from a generation ago, locums offers a way to supplement income. 15% of physicians plan to use locums to increase earnings, and 48% of current locums physicians plan to increase their days worked. Career control is also a main reason why physicians love working locums — 29% of physicians choose locums to control their schedules and 10% explicitly to avoid overwork. Locums also supports career transition, whether between jobs, post-training, or pre-retirement. Local and flexible options are also cited as a massive benefit. Contrary to the myth of constant travel, 58% of locum physicians work what we call “local locums” in their area, and 53% in nearby regions.

3. What does the report show about what employers need to do in order to remain competitive as it relates to hiring and retaining their physician workforce? Embracing flexibility is key. Physicians increasingly expect autonomy, and employers should offer flexible scheduling, part-time roles, and telehealth options — areas where locums can help bridge gaps. HCOs also need to utilize locums strategically. Beyond backfilling, organizations are using locums to meet rising demand (35%), reduce staff workload (25%), and test new services (9%). They should also be investing in tech and efficiency. Tools like vendor management systems streamline locums onboarding and credentialing. 59% of organizations believe tech-enabled efficiencies will positively impact their contingent workforce. Organizations also need to expand support of advanced practice providers and telehealth. Demand for CRNAs is up 55%, and telehealth locums are gaining traction. Yet only 20% of physicians had access to telehealth locums roles, despite 47% expressing strong interest — highlighting an opportunity for forward-thinking systems.

4. For anyone interested in learning more about locums work and getting involved with CHG, where can they go to learn more? If you’re ready to jump in, I’d encourage you to reach out to the awesome teams at our staffing brands. Weatherby Healthcare has only locums positions, while CompHealth offers both locums and permanent options. If you want to learn more about locums life and learn more about the overall process, we’ve also got great resources at Locumstory.com.

Have a question for Bill or want to learn more? Email us at contact@offcall.com and we’ll connect you.