The best part about having a high-demand career, like a physician, is the flexibility a competitive environment creates. With your services being sought after all over the country, there is no reason to stay in a toxic workplace or somewhere you aren’t happy. Instead, you can weigh your options, and then make a career decision that is better suited for your family and future. Whatever the reason is behind your desire to seek greener pastures, there has never been a better time to find a new opportunity. Let’s take a look at how you can plan your next career move.
Move to where the greatest demand exists.
Let’s face it, as a physician, you can find a job anywhere. But, if you are looking for a new opportunity that gives you more flexibility, or a better chance at future advancement, you may want to relocate to an area with the greatest demand for physicians. In a recent report from Doximity, the top 50 metropolitan areas in the United States were ranked based on physician demand. The top ten cities experienced a 5% increase in demand, which is in line with historical growth rates. The metro area with the greatest demand was the city of El Paso in West Texas. Other high demand areas include Miami, Cleveland, Phoenix, Denver, Seattle, and Honolulu. It stands to reason that if you were interested in relocating to one of these higher demand localities, that you would have an advantage in negotiating the terms of your employment. Whether it is a higher salary, loan forgiveness, better call schedules, or other terms that fit your personal and professional life, take advantage while the numbers are in your favor.
Consider adding Telemedicine to your skillset.
As the demand for telemedicine services continues to grow, it presents a great opportunity for physicians who are looking to make career changes. For many doctors, telemedicine provides them with the opportunity to cut back on formal work hours, but still practice medicine full-time. Currently, the specialties that are most engaged with telemedicine practice include Radiology, Psychiatry, Internal Medicine, Neurology, Family Medicine, and Dermatology. Keeping in mind that telemedicine may not be for every physician, it is certainly worth looking into to determine if it is a good fit for you. For example, with telemedicine, you can only consult for patients in the states that you are licensed in. If you are looking for a lot of volume, you will have to ask the telemedicine provider how many calls they receive for your state. You can also ask them if they will pay for you to acquire a license in a high-demand state. Another consideration is how proficient you are at documentation. Telemedicine consults require even more documentation than you might have with a typical outpatient visit, so note-taking is an important skill to have. Not every telemedicine platform is the same, so if you do a little bit of homework and find one that is right for you, it may provide you with a unique opportunity to practice medicine from the comfort of your home office.
Partner with a trusted search firm.
Even if you are not actively searching for a new opportunity, but would consider one if it came along, you might want to partner with a reputable physician search firm. Making a career move that is going to meet your requirements is not always as simple as checking out the job boards. By partnering with a search firm, you can discuss the elements of your “perfect” job and work with a recruiter to evaluate opportunities while you continue to focus on your current job. Your recruiter should have established relationships with administrators across the country, so no matter where you want to end up, they can help you make it happen. Another key component of working with a firm you trust is that they will have access to information that isn’t readily available. They’ll be able to help you compare average compensation and the cost of living for many cities across the country. A good recruiter will also be able to talk to you about the organization’s culture and leadership so you can get a sense of what working there would be like before you interview. By working with a recruiter, you’ll be better prepared to make an informed decision instead of jumping at the first thing that comes along.
If you are ready to take your physician career to the next level, contact Jackson Physician Search today. Our team of recruitment professionals have a nationwide reach and can help you access the perfect opportunity for you and your family.
