Written by Dr Seah, a locum doctor who built Locum Radar for other locum healthcare professionals. Last updated 30 September 2026.
A locum doctor is a registered doctor who covers a clinic’s sessions for a limited time, for example while the regular doctor is on leave or the clinic is short-staffed. “Locum” comes from the Latin locum tenens, meaning “placeholder”.
What does a locum doctor do?
A locum does the same clinical work as the doctor they are covering: seeing patients, prescribing, documenting and referring, within the clinic’s systems and processes. The difference is the arrangement. A locum is booked for set sessions rather than joining the clinic as permanent staff.
How do locum sessions work in Singapore?
- The clinic has a gap. A doctor is away, patient numbers are up, or a clinic needs extra cover.
- The clinic shares the session. Date, times and location are made known to locums.
- A locum takes the session. They confirm and the clinic knows the slot is filled.
- The locum works the session. They follow the clinic’s systems and emergency process.
- Payment and records follow. The session is recorded and paid as agreed.
The slow part is usually steps 2 and 3. When a session is posted in a group chat and confirmed by hand, it can take hours to know whether the slot is filled.
What types of sessions do locums cover?
- Morning, afternoon and evening clinic sessions
- Weekend sessions
- Cover for leave or a busy period
- Ad hoc gaps at short notice
Locum, part-time or permanent: what is the difference?
| Locum | Part-time or permanent | |
|---|---|---|
| Commitment | Set sessions only | Ongoing |
| Who it suits | Clinics with gaps; doctors who want flexibility | Clinics needing steady cover |
| Onboarding | Short handover | Fuller induction |
Are locums only doctors?
No. Clinics also need locum nurses, allied health professionals and clinic assistants. Locum Radar covers all of them.
How do clinics and locums connect on Locum Radar?
Locum Radar removes the waiting. Clinics tell us about their sessions, locums see what is open and book directly, and over 200 verified locums are already onboarded. Clinics can WhatsApp us on +65 8023 5014, use the contact form or email locumradar@gmail.com. Locums can open @locumradar_bot on Telegram.
Frequently asked questions
What does locum mean? It means a temporary stand-in. A locum doctor covers another doctor’s or a clinic’s sessions for a limited time.
Do locum doctors need to be registered? Yes. Doctors practising in Singapore need to be registered and hold a valid practising certificate.
Can a full-time doctor do locum work? It depends on their employment contract, so they should check with their employer first.