Learn · Ontario
How to Find a Locum in Ontario
Temporary physician coverage in Ontario works best when the role is clearly defined, you confirm credentials on LOCVM, and the clinic handoff is specific enough for day one.
1. What is a locum and who needs it
A locum is a physician who provides temporary coverage for a practice, clinic, or hospital. Staff physicians and clinics use locums when they need reliable coverage for a defined period without hiring permanently.
Who usually needs a locum:
- Leave (parental, medical, vacation)
- A gap while you recruit permanently
- Short-term relief when the practice is overloaded
- Coverage in communities that rely on visiting physicians
2. What to include in your post
We suggest that you include: dates and duration, specialty and scope, schedule, hours, and call, setting (clinic, walk-in, hospital, ED), eMR, pay terms, location and any travel or housing details.
3. Before you confirm someone, do it on LOCVM
Do not confirm over email alone. LOCVM verifies physicians for you automatically, and keeps messaging, pay, and booking in one place.
- Review the physician profile in LOCVM before you confirm
- Licence verification is handled automatically on LOCVM, including CPSO for Ontario practice
- Confirm liability coverage and privileges in the booking flow
- Agree pay on the platform, and use JetPay when you want payment in-app
Confirm requirements for your practice. This is not legal or billing advice.
4. Agreement and handoff
These are suggestions to help day one go smoothly. Use what fits your clinic:
- Written agreement covering dates, duties, pay, cancellation, and billing
- EMR login and a short orientation before day one
- Patient handoff notes for active issues, pending results, and follow-ups
- One clinic contact for questions, including after-hours if needed
- Logistics such as keys or badge, parking, room, and support staff
- A wrap-up plan for results, messages, and unfinished charts
Need a starting point? Get LOCVM contract templates. For a fuller Locum Checklist, including eligibility, clinic setup, EMR access, and wrap-up steps, use the Locum Newbie Guide below.
Contract templates
Recommended next read
Start with the Locum Newbie Guide
Open the free guide for pay models, contract basics, and a first-locum checklist.
5. How it works
How does it work?
Create Your Account
Sign up as either a recruiter (to post locums) or a physician (to apply for locums). It only takes a minute to get started.
Set Up Your Profile
Fill in your details so others can learn more about you — like your experience, specialties, and preferences. This helps you find the right matches faster.
Post or Apply for Locums
Start by posting open locum opportunities or browsing and applying for available locums.
Track Your Progress
Keep track of your posted jobs, applications, and completed locums, all in one place. Stay organized and up to date effortlessly.
6. FAQ
How early should I post?
As soon as dates are fixed. Earlier posts usually get more interest; last-minute posts still work for some roles.
What must be in the posting?
Dates, specialty, schedule, setting, EMR, location, and how pay works.
What if no one applies?
On LOCVM, update the posting with clearer dates, schedule, or pay details so matching can surface it to more physicians. Keep messaging and follow-up in the same booking flow instead of starting over off-platform.
Is a locum a permanent hire?
No. A locum is temporary coverage under a locum agreement.
Ready to find coverage?
Post your Ontario locum on LOCVM when you are ready to take applicants.