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Aug 13, 2025
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At Aequor, National Locum Tenens Week is a time to honor physicians who step in wherever they’re needed, bringing skill, compassion, and adaptability to hospitals and communities across the country. This year, we’re proud to spotlight Dr. Shahryar Ansari, a hospitalist whose dedication to patient care and love for new experiences perfectly captures the essence of locum tenens work.
Dr. Ansari completed his internal medicine residency in New Jersey in 2020. In the years that followed, he worked in traditional roles — but eventually decided he wanted something different. Just over six months ago, he began his journey as a locum tenens physician. He describes the experience as “an adventure in medicine,” allowing him to serve diverse patient populations while also exploring the places he works — from discovering local cuisines to learning about regional cultures and healthcare systems.
One of the biggest draws of locum tenens for Dr. Ansari is the ability to shape his own schedule. In a permanent position, days off must be requested in advance, holiday schedules can be locked in, and extended time away can be difficult to arrange. Locum work flips that dynamic, putting the decision making power in the physician’s hands.
“That leverage and that flexibility is really, really good,” Dr. Ansari explains. “If I don’t want to work 15 days straight in a month, I don’t have to. If I want to work an intense month straight through, I can. And if I want to take a whole month off to be with my family, I can do that too.”
This flexibility not only allows him to balance personal and professional commitments, but also means he can prioritize assignments that are most meaningful to him — whether that’s helping a rural hospital in need or working in a facility that matches his preferred pace and environment.
While locum tenens offers freedom, it also requires strong support from a staffing partner. Dr. Ansari says he found that with Aequor from the very start. He enjoys how Aequor is attentive to every detail of an assignment — from licensing and credentialing to arranging travel, accommodations, and on site orientation.
“They treat you as family,” he says. “They know my individual needs — where I want to go and where I don’t — and they respect that. They’re never pushy, and they’re always responsive.”
He works closely with his recruiter, Heidi, who ensures his preferences are honored and his start dates run smoothly. In one case, Heidi was able to arrange an urgent placement and have Dr. Ansari on-site in just seven days — a turnaround time he describes as “incredibly fast.”
For Dr. Ansari, locum tenens isn’t just about the travel or flexibility, it’s about being there when his skills are needed most. Every day presents opportunities to support overburdened teams, manage critical patient cases, and make a tangible difference in communities facing healthcare staffing shortages.
“When you see the emotional change in families, when their loved one gets better, that’s very inspiring and motivating,” he says. “Sometimes you walk into a hospital and see they’re short-staffed, the patient volume is high, and you know you’re helping fill a gap that really matters.”
One of his most memorable moments came during a night shift, when a critically ill patient arrived at the hospital. As the primary hospitalist on duty, he led the care team in quickly diagnosing and treating the patient. By morning, the patient was stable and improving — an outcome that left the family relieved and grateful. “That’s why I do what I do,” he reflects.
Dr. Ansari encourages any physician considering locum tenens to embrace the opportunities it offers, but also to come prepared. His top advice? Be patient, adaptable, and professional.
“Each new hospital will have its own systems, electronic medical records, and team dynamics,” he explains. “Introduce yourself to the staff right away, let them know how to reach you, and be responsive. Communication is key — it’s how you leave a good impression and get invited back.”
He also stresses the importance of being approachable and collaborative, especially when working with new colleagues. “We’re there to help. If you make it easy for the team to work with you, you’ll be successful.”
Dr. Ansari’s approach to locum tenens work is a blend of professional excellence, adaptability, and genuine care for patients. These qualities are part of what make him a valued member of the Aequor family. His willingness to step into new environments and his dedication to making a difference for patients and hospital teams alike are exactly what National Locum Tenens Week is meant to celebrate.
Happy National Locum Tenens Week to Dr. Ansari and all of the amazing providers— we’re grateful for all that you do and proud to be part of your journey.
If you are interested in joining the Aequor family of locum tenens, connect with an Aequor recruiter today!
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