Half of all physicians take a job upon completing their residency or fellowship, only to move on to a new position within two years. It appears there is some disconnect between what the doctor expects when they take the job and what they find once they are working. It might be that the physician finds they want something different in the long term. How can a physician know a job is the right fit for their needs?
Table of Contents
Income
When searching for physician jobs, many doctors focus on income. Who could blame them? They have student loans to pay, among other things. However, income should only be one thing to consider, particularly when the high-paying job has requirements that don’t fit their lifestyle. Nobody wants to be in a high-stress job that benefits the organization while making the physician feel disposable.
Workplace Culture
Doctors need to consider workplace culture when choosing a position. Work expectations need to align with the doctor’s desired level of effort. One practice might want the doctor to work 12-hour shifts and pick up shifts above and beyond their scheduled ones whenever needed. Another facility might have doctors work 10-hour shifts and only take on extras if desired. The culture needs to align with what the doctor is comfortable with. For those seeking more flexibility, locums tenens job assignments can provide an opportunity to experience different workplace cultures and find the right fit. These temporary assignments allow doctors to explore various environments without long-term commitment. Understanding the culture of each assignment is key to ensuring a satisfying work experience.
Treatment Philosophy
Patient care must always be the priority. Physicians take an oath to do no harm. They won’t be happy when they work for a facility that emphasizes short wait times and improved patient flow over patient care. While reducing wait times and improving patient flow are excellent goals, the focus must remain on patient care. Learn whether the organization focuses more on productivity metrics or patient care. Doctors are typically happier in those settings that put patients first.
Location
A doctor might want to remain close to family but cannot find a facility nearby that aligns with their goals. They must consider all options to find a facility where they can feel at home and advance in their careers. When doing so, they shouldn’t sacrifice the most important things to them, even if it means being a little farther from family.
Skills
A doctor might find that their skills are needed in a particular area, even if it is not a location they would have chosen. On the other hand, they may find that the hospital closest to them has openings, but they will handle the same types of cases repeatedly. They never get the opportunity to work on complex cases and learn new things, so their career may stall.
Looking to the Future
Physicians need to find a good healthcare facility where they can launch their careers and, hopefully, one that will also offer them long-term job satisfaction while allowing them to advance their skills. Clinical mentoring is one thing to look for when comparing positions, and operational leadership opportunities are another. Choose a facility that offers the chance to work in different treatment settings with different volumes or trauma designations.
When comparing opportunities, ask lots of questions. Talk with healthcare workers to learn which organizations may be a good fit, and ask to shadow when possible. Talk with a trusted advisor to review the benefits and drawbacks of each opportunity, or work with a recruiter. Their job depends on finding the right fit for open positions. However, the physician must ultimately decide where they will land.
Please don’t make this decision lightly, as patients count on their physicians being there when needed. They deserve someone who is committed to being with them long-term. Find an organization where you can be that person.
