"Flexibility" isn't a word most people would assign to jobs in the medical field. After years of school, intense residencies and training, many doctors choose a location and stick to it. This may be near the university where they studied or a location where they've spent years training. Jobs in the medical field can be stable, steady and reliable. Instead of looking at that as a reason to stay put, physicians and others may consider moving interstate to rejuvenate their medical careers.

Whether early in your career or decades in, take some time to explore how moving may give your career a boost. Here are a few reasons why moving interstate may be the right option for you.

Travel

Not yet sure where you'd like to land? Try out locum placements, which allow you to travel while working in different areas around the country. It's an exciting way to practice medicine, as you can combine a passion for travel and commitment to medicine. You'll meet new people, take on new medical responsibilities and gain unique perspectives on an area where you may eventually want to settle down.

Take a new direction

Moving interstate independently or through locum placements allows you to take on new responsibilities. Each hospital and private practice has their own unique perspectives on how best to approach treatment, which means you may be able to gain new skills, reinvigorating your medical career.

Take a new position to gain new skills and reinvigorate your medical career.

You may also choose to work in high need areas, particularly in rural regions where populations don't have significant access to medical care. In these areas, whether through placements or when you simply would prefer to live in a more remote area, you'll be able to explore new opportunities to provide medical care for vulnerable populations who need the skills you provide.

Get a fresh start

Have you always wanted to live in a particular city or region? Are you looking to switch up your lifestyle? Now may be the time to get a fresh start in a new town, get to know a new medical practice, new people and enjoy new landscapes and activities.

Find a new purpose

You studied, trained, put in long hours and reaped the rewards: working in your specialty, now in a setting you're familiar with. Much as anyone loves their job, occupations get repetitive, which may leave you longing for something new. Burnout isn't uncommon if you've worked at a large hospital, getting through overnight shifts and dealing with a large patient load for years.

Maybe it's time for a change - whether moving to a smaller hospital or trying your hand at working at a small practice with steady, regular working hours. Moving interstate gives you a perfect opportunity to make a change and find new purpose, breathing new life into your personal life, as well as your medical career.