Our nation is home to many of the best postgraduate medical training programs in the world, but one area of medical training that has been largely ignored for students in the healthcare profession is the preparation for their transition from academia to practice.With the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting that employment of physicians and surgeons will grow by 24 percent between 2010 and 2020, graduates face an ever-growing demand for their skills. Unfortunately, nearly a third of physicians leave their position in the first five years. Due to these contradicting circumstances, significant resources need to move beyond teaching trainees how to find a job and instead allocate resources to help trainees determine the right job for their lifestyle, culture and skills.
Designed to assist allied health students, residents and fellows, Sheridan Healthcare’s Education Outreach Program developed a complimentary, unbiased lecture series examining transition to practice. The goal of the Education Outreach Program is to give trainees some indicators as to what to consider when transitioning to practice, rather than solely relying on financial comparisons to assess job offers:
• Crafting CVs and interviewing strategies: As in any field, the importance of a solid CV and interview skills to get in the door of a potential employer are the first steps to securing employment. Sheridan uses seminars to give each trainee the knowledge needed to position oneself appropriately in the medical arena.
• Lifestyle balance: Many physicians leave their position in the first couple years due to lifestyle conflicts, including stress and pressure, incompatible work hours and a lack of assimilation into the work culture. Job candidates must learn how to evaluate the culture of potential employers before responding to an offer.
• Interviewing the interviewer: We advise trainees when considering employment with a facility to discuss the work schedule, turn-over rates, career paths and leadership opportunities. We also encourage talking to physicians, mid-level providers and supervisors already on staff.
• Different types of practices and facilities: New graduates face a dizzying array of options as to what practice and facility type they should join. Many times, this type of decision can be evaluated by one’s own personality and interests. For example, someone who thrives in a fast-paced, high acuity work environment may prefer working at a tertiary care facility rather than a small community hospital.
• Staffing models: From independent practices and contract management groups to hospital employment or locum tenens positions, each offers various advantages and requires different obligations of its employees. Here, it is important to understand the different models, which vary in terms of compensation, benefits, and work environment.
• Compensation and benefits: Before accepting a position, trainees must understand how they are being paid. For instance, Is it productivity-based? Is it salaried? Is it salaried plus incentives? Is it equal distribution? Also, trainees should know what benefits they are being offered.
• Malpractice insurance: Since a thorough understanding of malpractice insurance coverage is essential, trainees need to know what type of malpractice insurance is offered and what costs they may incur.
• Contracts: We recommend reviewing any contract prior to signing for restrictive covenants and needed amendments. At times, trainees may even wish to seek a contract attorney.
Just as healthcare professionals in training learn to treat future patients, they must learn how to take care of their careers to enjoy a long and healthy professional life.
