8 min read | Marketplace vs Agency | October 2026
TL;DR: A locum doctor temporarily fills in for others, often in rural areas, offering flexibility and variety. Locum marketplaces provide direct access to available shifts, unlike traditional agencies that may limit visibility. Understanding the differences can guide your choice between these models.
- Locum Role: Fills temporary vacancies, often in remote areas.
- Marketplace Access: Offers direct shift access and transparency.
- Agency Curation: May limit available shift visibility.
Sources: 5 cited below ↓
What is the Definition of a Locum Doctor?
A locum doctor is a medical professional who temporarily steps in to cover short-term vacancies or staff shortages. This role is particularly crucial in addressing healthcare access disparities in rural and remote areas of Australia. Locum doctors are often required to be registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA), ensuring they meet necessary standards, including maintaining professional indemnity insurance (AHPRA). This type of work offers the flexibility to choose when and where to work, making it an attractive option for many doctors seeking variety and balance in their careers.
How Do Locum Marketplaces Differ from Traditional Agencies?
Locum marketplaces and traditional agencies offer different pathways to finding temporary medical positions. Marketplaces empower doctors with direct access to available shifts, providing transparency and control. This model allows doctors to see all available opportunities, making it easier to plan their schedules and select positions that align with their preferences. In contrast, traditional locum agencies often curate opportunities based on their priorities, which can limit visibility and options for doctors (StatDoctor).
Locum doctors must hold professional indemnity insurance to maintain AHPRA registration, declared at registration and annually (AHPRA).
💡Direct Access Advantage
Locum marketplaces offer a distinct advantage by allowing doctors to directly access and choose from a wide range of available shifts, thereby providing increased flexibility in managing their work schedules.
What Are the Benefits of Using a Locum Marketplace?
Using a locum marketplace offers several benefits over traditional agencies. Firstly, it provides greater transparency, as doctors can directly access all available shifts. This transparency can lead to better scheduling and a wider range of opportunities. Secondly, marketplaces often have lower fees compared to agencies, which can result in more competitive pay for doctors. Lastly, the simplicity of the marketplace model can streamline the credentialing process, reducing administrative burdens.
- Transparent Shift Access: Direct access to all available shifts allows for better planning.
- Competitive Pay: Lower fees can mean more take-home pay for doctors.
- Streamlined Credentialing: Simplifies the process, saving time and effort.
Locum marketplaces enhance transparency and control over job selection, which can lead to better work-life balance and financial outcomes.
What Challenges Might You Face with Traditional Locum Agencies?
Traditional locum agencies can present several challenges. One significant issue is the limited visibility of available shifts, as agencies may not always share all options with doctors. This can lead to frustration when promised shifts do not materialise. Additionally, agencies often take a cut from the doctor's pay, which can reduce overall earnings. Doctors may also face challenges with career continuity, as irregular shifts can affect training and professional development (StatDoctor).
- Limited Shift Visibility: Agencies may not disclose all available shifts.
- Reduced Earnings: Agency fees can significantly impact take-home pay.
- Career Continuity Issues: Irregular work can disrupt training and CPD.
[PRO TIP] Pro tip: Always clarify with an agency about the full range of available shifts and any associated fees before signing a contract.
