The COVID-19 pandemic arrived in a whirlwind, leaving a trail of unbidden chaos and upheaval across the globe. Amid these turbulent times, there emerged a group of unsung heroes, the locum tenens—temporary physicians—who stepped into the breach, providing critical healthcare services when they were needed the most.
Locum tenens, a Latin phrase meaning ‘place holder’, were the knights in shining armour throughout the pandemic. As healthcare systems grappled with an unprecedented surge in patient volume, these temporary professionals took on regular as well as emergency shifts, filled in for quarantined staff, and even traveled to pandemic hotspots, risking their own health in the process.
Many of these professionals willingly embraced the opportunity to serve in areas under-served by healthcare. They did not shy away from the challenges posed by the pandemic but instead faced them head-on with bravery and compassion. Their stories of courage and dedication serve as a beacon of inspiration for us all.
The pandemic accentuated the vital role locum tenens play in our healthcare system, a role that often goes unrecognised. As we move forward, it’s crucial that we acknowledge and appreciate these individuals who have shown that they are more than just ‘placeholders’. They are the pillars that hold our healthcare infrastructure together in times of crisis. Let’s salute these unsung heroes – the locum tenens.
