Academic models for practice relief, recruitment, and retention at the University of New Mexico Medical Center and East Carolina University School of Medicine.

Locum tenens programs were independently developed by the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center and East Carolina University School of Medicine to address health care needs within their states. The programs represent distinct models to provide locum tenens services for practices in rural and medically underserved regions through collaboration with stage government representatives and agencies. Differences between programs include years of operation, days of coverage provided, types of learners and providers involved, sources of funding, costs of the programs, and extent of institutional support. Common beneficial outcomes of the programs include coverage for struggling practices, training in rural medicine for locum tenens providers, recruitment of physicians to rural practice sites, and improved relationships with program partners. Adequate funding and institutional support are essential for success of locum tenens programs.