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Remarks
The Science and Art of Finding the Best Job
Career opportunities abound — be as smart about finding them
as you have been in your education.
By Brett Walker
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For those of you who are not aware, we are facing a significant universal
physician shortage in the United States. There are many factors that are
contributing to the nationwide physician shortage. Some of the most compelling include: the aging baby boomers; rising cost in
medical education—some choose not to take on additional debt and loans; the challenges and
economics of medicine—cuts in reimbursements Medicare and Medicaid, for example. The other factor that
is contributing to the shortage is that physicians are choosing specialties
that are favorable to a desirable quality of lifestyle.
It is well documented that the “perfect storm” of the supply/demand problem is expected to peak in the year 2020. It is
estimated that we will have at least a 200,000 to 250,000 shortage of
physicians in this country.
So what does that mean to physicians looking for career options? First and foremost, you should not have too much difficulty in finding a
position. The reality is that no matter what your specialty, your skills are in
high demand. That having been said, remember: as a physician, it’s important for you to understand the different types of recruitment
professionals and the different options available to you.
Making the shortage work for you
The science and art of finding a high-quality position is dedicating much time
to the process and knowing what you are looking for in a job. Talk with your
peers and network with faculty in your training programs. Try and picture what
type of work you hope to be doing in three years. There is an alarming statistic that nearly 70 percent of residents and fellows
change positions within the first three years of post residency and fellowship
training. As a recruitment professional, I encourage you to start exploring
your career options at least one to two years in advance of completing your
training. Yes, there is a significant shortage but, if you want to land the top
positions, you will need to dedicate time and energy to the process and start
early. Some suggestions: occasionally open your mail, explore the job sections and ads in journals and on
web sites—including this very magazine and its website; and consider attending a few
physician job fairs locally and nationally.
Networking is probably the most underrated activity you can do to explore career
options. One of the most significant changes I have seen in the past ten years
is the unlimited access to information—thanks to the internet. You can find almost anything you are looking for by
going to a few search engines. For instance, prior to going for an interview
you can visit the practice web site and read about the history of the practice.
You can usually find out where all the physicians trained and completed
residency before you interview and meet them. Asking to speak to a former resident or fellow who completed training a few
years ahead of you is an excellent strategy. They can typically give you a few
pointers or recommendations on a few do’s and don’ts in your job search process. Physician recruiters are also good sources for
some of the industry trends. We typically know who is hiring and in what areas
including the local and regional competition. (For specific sources of
information and help see sidebar, Career Search Resources.)
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Career search Resources
Academic In-house Recruiters (AIR) Donna Ecclestone (919) 419-5057
http://www.academicphysicianjobs.org
Children’s Hospital In-House Recruiters Network (CHIRN) Diana Dieckman
1-800-788-8410 or diana.dieckman@spectrum-health.org
ASPR Regional Recruitment Web Sites:
http://www.capsnet.org (Carolina)
http://www.isprnet.org (Illinois)
http://www.inspr.org (Indiana)
http://www.mrrn.org (Michigan) http://www.ohanet.org (Ohio) http://www.umpr.org (Upper Midwest)
http://www.midwestmd.org (MO, IA, NE, KS)
http://www.nwspr.net (Northwest)
National Physician Recruitment Sites:
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Be wary of the large income guarantees being offered. Ask yourself, after the
income guarantee period is over: Are the business and volume of patients there
to earn a decent paycheck?
Don’t forget legal counsel
Before signing a contract, hire your own legal representative to review the
contract on your behalf. Pay special attention to restrictive convents and
non-compete language. I can’t stress enough the importance and peace of mind in hiring your own attorney to
review the contract on your behalf. The other, often overlooked, aspect of the
job search process is the community. Does the community meet your needs outside of medicine? It might be the “perfect job,” but if you are not happy outside of your job and your basic needs, hobbies, or
areas of interest are not met, it’s likely you will make a change sooner than later.
As a physician, you worked too diligently to become a doctor to settle for an
average position. If you dedicate the extra time and energy to your job search,
perhaps you can lower the percentage of physicians who up-root and look for a
new position in another three years.
Best of luck to you in making one of the biggest decisions of your life!
END
Brett Walker is Director of Physician Recruitment for Clarian Health in
Indianapolis and President-Elect of ASPR (Assoc. of Staff Physician
Recruiters). He can be reached at bwalker@clarian.org.
