What’s After Residency for Anesthesiologists?

1. Taking a break
2. Licensing
3. Board certification
4. Fellowship (Optional)
5. Selecting a career path

Locum Tenens vs. Permanent Positions

What's After Residency? (And Why It Should be Locums)

Finishing an anesthesiology residency is a huge milestone—but what comes next? Whether you're eager to jump into practice or considering a different path, there are plenty of options to explore. Let’s break down some of the key possibilities, from taking a well-deserved break to navigating licensing and beyond.

What’s After Residency for Anesthesiologists?

1. Taking a Break
2. Licensing
3. Board Certification
4. Fellowship (Optional)
5. Selecting a Career Path
6. Why Choose Locum Tenens?

1. Taking a Break

After years of grueling shifts, exams, and training, some anesthesiologists choose to take a sabbatical before diving into their next career step. A break can provide much-needed time to recharge, travel, or pursue personal interests that were sidelined during residency. Some residents use this time for medical mission work, gaining unique clinical experiences while giving back. Others may explore non-clinical interests, like further education or even writing about their experiences in medicine.

However, it’s important to plan carefully—extended time away from practice could require additional steps to re-enter the workforce smoothly. Staying engaged through part-time locum tenens work or continuing medical education (CME) can help maintain skills and professional connections during a gap.

2. Licensing & USMLE Considerations

For those planning to practice in the U.S., ensuring all licensing requirements are met is crucial. If you’re an international medical graduate (IMG), this may mean completing all United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) steps if you haven’t already. Even for U.S. graduates, some states have additional requirements beyond the standard three-step USMLE, such as jurisprudence exams or extra CME hours.

Board certification through the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA) is another key step. This involves passing the BASIC and ADVANCED exams, along with the Applied Exam (formerly the Oral Boards). Timing matters—some residents take these exams immediately after residency, while others may delay if pursuing fellowships or other paths. Staying on top of deadlines and state-specific licensing boards will help avoid unnecessary delays in starting your career.

3. Board Certification

Becoming board-certified is a major career milestone for anesthesiologists, signaling expertise and commitment to the field. The American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA) certification process involves three key exams: the BASIC (taken during residency), the ADVANCED (after residency), and the high-stakes Applied Exam (which includes the traditional oral boards and a structured clinical exam). Many residents aim to complete these as soon as possible while knowledge and skills are fresh, but some choose to delay if pursuing a fellowship or other transitional opportunities.

Maintaining certification requires ongoing effort, including participation in the ABA’s MOCA (Maintenance of Certification in Anesthesiology) program, which involves CME credits, practice assessments, and periodic exams. While the process can feel demanding, board certification enhances job prospects, earning potential, and professional credibility—making it a worthwhile investment for most anesthesiologists.

4. Fellowship (Optional)

For anesthesiologists looking to specialize further, pursuing a fellowship can open doors to advanced practice areas and academic opportunities. Fellowships typically last one year and allow physicians to gain expertise in subspecialties like pain medicine, critical care, pediatric anesthesia, or cardiac anesthesia. These programs provide intensive training, research exposure, and the chance to work alongside leaders in the field, making them ideal for those who want to distinguish themselves in competitive job markets or academic medicine.

While not mandatory for general practice, a fellowship can significantly enhance career prospects. This is especially true for roles in tertiary care centers, university hospitals, or niche private practices. It’s also a great option for residents who enjoy focused, complex cases and want to deepen their clinical skills before entering the workforce. That said, the decision to pursue additional training should balance personal interest, career goals, and the opportunity cost of delaying full-time earnings. Some anesthesiologists even return to fellowship later in their careers, proving it’s never too late to refine your expertise.

5. Selecting a Career Path: Locum Tenens vs. Permanent Positions

One of the biggest post-residency decisions is choosing between locum tenens (temporary) work and a permanent position. Each has distinct advantages:

• Locum Tenens offers flexibility, diverse practice settings, and the chance to explore different locations before settling down. It’s ideal for those who crave variety or want extra time to decide on a long-term role. Pay can be competitive, and assignments often include housing and travel compensation. However, benefits like retirement plans may vary.
• Permanent Positions provide stability, benefits (health insurance, retirement plans, malpractice coverage), and opportunities for career growth within a single institution. Academic, hospital-based, and private practice roles each come with unique cultures and expectations. Those seeking leadership roles, research involvement, or a long-term community connection may prefer this route.

Some anesthesiologists mix both—starting with locums to gain experience before transitioning to a permanent job—or using per-diem work to supplement income later in their careers. The right choice depends on lifestyle preferences, financial goals, and professional aspirations.

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Why Choose Locum Tenens?

For many anesthesiologists, locum tenens work isn’t just a temporary gig—it’s a career game-changer. Here’s why more physicians are choosing this path:

• Freedom & Flexibility – Set your own schedule, take extended time off between assignments, and avoid the administrative burdens of permanent roles. Want to work six months a year and travel the rest? Locums makes it possible.
• Explore New Settings – From bustling urban hospitals to rural critical access facilities, locum tenens lets you experience different practice environments without long-term commitment. It’s a great way to find the perfect fit before settling down.
• Higher Earning Potential – Many locum positions offer premium hourly rates, and since contracts are often short-term, you can negotiate favorable terms. Plus, housing, travel, and malpractice insurance are frequently covered.
• Work-Life Balance – Burnout is real in anesthesia, but locums allows you to control your workload. Take assignments when you want them, and step back when you need a break.

Whether you’re fresh out of residency or a seasoned anesthesiologist looking for a change, locum tenens offers a unique blend of professional growth and personal freedom.

Ready to explore locum opportunities? The team at Anesthesia OnCall specializes in matching anesthesiologists with top-tier assignments tailored to your preferences. Reach out today to find the perfect fit for your next career move!