A Locum, short for locum tenens ("holding the place," akin to lieutenant), is a person who temporarily fulfills the duties of another. For example, a Locum
doctor is a doctor who works in the place of the regular doctor when that doctor is on holiday or ill. These professionals
are still governed by their respective regulatory bodies, despite the transient nature of their positions.
The abbreviated form "locum" is common in Great Britain, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and most other countries. In the
United States, the full length "locum tenens" is still the favored form of the expression.
Professions where locums are common include:
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