When most of us think of locum tenens work, we imagine suitcase-in-hand, city-to-city contracts filling in for other providers on maternity leave or vacation.
But what if you could have all the freedom of locum work—without ever leaving home?
Remote locum tenens work is a growing niche that more naturopathic doctors are discovering, and it just might be the best-kept secret in our profession.
What Is Locum Tenens for NDs?
“Locum tenens” is Latin for “to hold the place of.” In practice, it means stepping in temporarily for another doctor who is away, or filling a role while a clinic recruits for a permanent position. In conventional medicine, it’s well-established. For NDs, it’s emerging—but highly needed, especially in integrative and functional clinics.
Thanks to the rise in telemedicine and electronic medical records, locum work no longer requires a physical presence. That means you can support patients remotely, from wherever you live.
Why Consider Remote Locum Tenens?
🧭 Freedom & Flexibility
As a locum, you’re not tied to a long-term contract or geographic location. You choose when, where, and how you work—whether it’s a few days a month, or full-time for a few months while you plan your next move.
For new grads, it’s a way to explore different types of practices and gain experience without immediately locking yourself into a full-time clinic.
For seasoned NDs, it can be a great way to take a sabbatical, relocate gradually, or transition to a more mobile lifestyle without giving up clinical work.
💰 Solid Income Without Overhead
If you’ve ever built or run a clinic, you know overhead can be steep. As a locum, you’re often paid hourly or per diem—and you’re not responsible for rent, staffing, or EMR subscriptions.
Remote locum work means zero commute and minimal expenses. The result? You can often earn more in less time, with far less administrative burden.
🌎 Practice Across State Lines (Sometimes)
In states with broad telemedicine laws—or in clinics that hire you as an independent contractor under their license—you may be able to see patients outside your licensed state, under supervision or as part of their care team. Always check the legalities, but this model is increasingly common in group practices and functional medicine clinics.
🌿 Stay Clinically Sharp Without Burnout
Locum work lets you keep your clinical skills fresh without the grind of full-time practice management. You’re there to care for patients—not to worry about marketing, bookkeeping, or landlord drama.
Some NDs even combine locum work with teaching, writing, or consulting, creating a multifaceted career that remains both financially viable and deeply fulfilling.
👩⚕️ Support Your Fellow NDs
When you step in as a locum, you’re not just helping patients—you’re helping a colleague take maternity leave, recover from surgery, or care for a family member. It’s a beautiful way to support our profession and keep patient care uninterrupted.
How to Get Started
- Update your resume/CV with a focus on clinical competencies, EMRs used, and telemedicine experience.
- Get licensed in telemedicine-friendly states, especially if you’re interested in broader opportunities.
- Network with ND clinics—especially solo or small group practices—who may need short-term coverage.
- Reach out to integrative clinics where MDs, DOs, or FNPs may be looking for someone with a naturopathic background to fill in or expand offerings.
- Consider working with a recruiter who understands integrative medicine, or simply let your professional network know you’re open to locum work.
Final Thoughts
Locum tenens work isn’t just a stop-gap between jobs—it can be a sustainable, flexible, and rewarding long-term career path for naturopathic doctors who value freedom, variety, and meaningful patient care.
Whether you’re looking to travel less, earn more, or rediscover joy in clinical practice, remote locum work just might be your next best move.