Key takeaways
- Locum tenens clinicians help keep cancer care consistent when staffing gaps arise
- As the number of cancer survivors grows, so does the need for reliable ongoing oncology care
- Beyond coverage, locums bring compassio, stability and expertise to patients during critical moments
This June, we recognize National Cancer Survivors Month and honor not only those who have won their battles against cancer, but also the clinicians whose care helps make survivorship possible. For cancer programs navigating vacancies or unexpected patient volume surges, locum tenens clinicians serve as a critical lifeline that provide patient-centered solutions. Rather than canceling appointments or stretching existing staff beyond capacity, locums offer experienced clinicians who can step in seamlessly, helping maintain access to care without disrupting patients' experiences.
One of these clinicians is Dr. Brenelly Lozada-Cruz, a locums oncologist whose work reflects a commitment that goes beyond any single assignment. With more than 20 years of experience, Dr. Lozada-Cruz has deep expertise in treating lung cancer, chronic leukemia, prostate cancer and other conditions. She has worked with LocumTenens.com for six years, supporting patients and facilities through her commitment to high-quality oncology care.
“I’ve been working as a locums clinician for over 15 years,” said Dr. Lozada-Cruz. “It's allowed me to practice medicine independently and with flexibility, giving me the opportunity to organize my time, structure my professional life and fully dedicate myself to patient care while maintaining balance and autonomy.”
The real impact of staffing gaps
Cancer care can never be placed on pause. Treatment schedules are carefully timed, and follow-ups are imperative. To ensure the best results, consistent care is a requirement, not just nice-to-have.
For patients already navigating fear and uncertainty, an unexpected gap in their care can feel like an abandonment rather than an inconvenience. The American Society of Clinical Oncology continues to raise concerns about the oncology workforce, highlighting the widening gap between the number of oncologists and patient demand. The challenge is especially true in rural and underserved communities, where access is already limited before accounting for shortages.
This is where locums play a meaningful, stabilizing role in care delivery.
A growing survivor population with a growing need
As of January 2025, approximately 18.6 million people in the U.S. were living with a history of cancer. That number is projected to exceed 22 million by 2035 and represents millions who will require ongoing monitoring for recurrence, management of treatment-related symptoms, coordination across multiple specialties and reassurance from the clinicians they trust.
Survivorship care is complex, touching on physical recovery, chronic condition management and emotional well-being. According to the National Cancer Institute, all cancer survivors should receive regular follow-up care. That care requires both a healthcare system and a clinician who can reliably show up for appointments — potentially for years.
“Knowing that my presence may help preserve a practice, sustain medical services and continue providing care to vulnerable populations has been one of the greatest privileges of my career,” said Dr. Lozada-Cruz. “It continually motivates me to make every possible effort to support these communities and ensure that patients continue receiving the care, dignity and opportunities they deserve."
Meaning in every moment
For Dr. Lozada-Cruz, the appeal of locum tenens work has always been rooted in purpose.
“At the age of six, I discovered that serving and helping others brought me genuine happiness. I became deeply curious about knowledge, continuous learning and the ways in which education and medicine could be used to help and serve others,” said Dr. Lozada-Cruz. “Coming from and working with low-resource communities, it became extremely important to me that both my own and other underserved communities have access to the same quality of healthcare available to individuals with greater resources and opportunities.”
Dr. Lozada-Cruz’s story reflects the deeper impact locums physicians can have, not only by filling coverage gaps, but by bringing compassion, stability and expertise to patients and communities during critical moments of need.
“My experience with locums has truly been an honor. The fact that patients allow me into their lives and trust me during some of their most vulnerable moments has not only changed my perspective as a physician but has also enriched me profoundly as a human being.”
Need oncology coverage for your facility or exploring your next locum tenens opportunity? LocumTenens.com helps organizations maintain continuity of cancer care while connecting clinicians with flexible roles that fit their goals and expertise. See how and explore your options.
