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Have stethoscope, will travel: contingent employment among physician health care providers in the United States

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  • Angelo A. Alonzo

    (Yale University, angelo.alonzo@yale.edu)

  • Arthur B. Simon

    (abs1300@sbcglobal.net)

Abstract

The goal of this study was to describe locum tenens physicians in the context of contingent, nonstandard employment in the US. The target population for this study was 1662 physicians who accepted at least one locum tenens assignment. Response rate for the 50-item questionnaire was 47 percent. One third of respondents considered a locum tenens practice pattern permanent. Female physicians were younger and disproportionately represented in primary care specialism; 64 percent used locum income as sole source of support and were motivated by a need for flexible scheduling. Male locum physicians were older, weighted toward the sub-specialisms and motivated to practice part-time. Overall, locum physicians were satisfied with contingent work. Shifts towards part-time employment among women and a desire for flexibility are changing the nature of physician employment. Locum physicians, as`gold collar' contingent workers are very different from contingent workers in manufacturing and service sectors of the economy.

Suggested Citation

  • Angelo A. Alonzo & Arthur B. Simon, 2008. "Have stethoscope, will travel: contingent employment among physician health care providers in the United States," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 22(4), pages 635-654, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:woemps:v:22:y:2008:i:4:p:635-654
    DOI: 10.1177/0950017008096740
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Susan N. Houseman, 2001. "Why Employers Use Flexible Staffing Arrangements: Evidence from an Establishment Survey," ILR Review, Cornell University, ILR School, vol. 55(1), pages 149-170, October.
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    2. Zuberi, Daniyal M. & Ptashnick, Melita B., 2011. "The deleterious consequences of privatization and outsourcing for hospital support work: The experiences of contracted-out hospital cleaners and dietary aids in Vancouver, Canada," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 72(6), pages 907-911, March.
    3. Angela Knox, 2018. "Regulatory avoidance in the temporary work agency industry: Evidence from Australia," The Economic and Labour Relations Review, , vol. 29(2), pages 190-206, June.
    4. Mauro, Marianna & Cardamone, Emma & Cavallaro, Giusy & Minvielle, Etienne & Rania, Francesco & Sicotte, Claude & Trotta, Annarita, 2014. "Teaching hospital performance: Towards a community of shared values?," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 101(C), pages 107-112.

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