DECIDE WHAT MATTERS MOST TO YOU
i IMPORTANT TIP:
For some physicians, compensation is the top factor to consider and for others, location is all that matters. There are so many factors to consider and you need to prioritize your practice “wish list” to assess opportunities that arise.
If you aren’t 100 percent sure on what factors are important to you, consider becoming part of a travel team to explore different practice settings. This will allow you to narrow down what you want in your career, as well as what you do not.
There are many factors to consider – some include:
• Geographic location
• Practice setting – single specialty group, multi-specialty group, hospital/clinic
• Employment model – W-2 vs 1099
• Compensation
• Schedule / flexibility
• Opportunities for career growth
• Personal development opportunities
• CME provisions
• Hospital size
• Subspecialty support
• Documentation system
• Malpractice insurance – Is it provided?
PERSONAL ASSESSMENT
At last you are ready to start looking for a job, right? Not so fast! There is one more step that will help prepare for your search. You, your significant other and/or family members should sit down and determine what you are really looking for in a practice and community. This will allow you to identify your needs and your wants so you can stay focused during your search and help you to be more articulate with potential employers. EMPLOYMENT CONTRACTS Employment compensation and contracts can be difficult to understand. Remembering a few basics can help you in the process whether you are a new or experienced physician.
UNDERSTAND YOUR COMPENSATION
You should fully understand and be comfortable with how your compensation is structured. If not, ask someone to walk through it with you using numeric examples. Before you agree to an employment contract, you should be familiar with the median salary range for a physician in your specialty in that geographic location. If you don’t know what your skills are worth in the local market, you won’t know if the compensation offered by the practice or employer is fair.
18 La State Med Soc NEW PHYSICIAN’S GUIDE
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