With the holidays officially upon us, professionals across industries look forward to winding down and taking time off to relax and celebrate. While some healthcare providers will no doubt work the holiday shifts, many physicians and APPs will find themselves with a little more time to reflect on where they are professionally and perhaps browse job boards to see what other opportunities are out there. This may explain why we at Jackson Physician Search see an influx of physician and APP job applications during December. Though some might think people put their job searches on hold over the break, the opposite seems true. In fact, December is the perfect time to think through your professional goals and explore your options.
As Vice President of Physician Recruitment, I talk to physicians year-round who are seeking new and different opportunities. Typically, we first connect about a specific job, but my goal with the conversation is more significant than any one job. I use the conversation to determine what the physician wants — and doesn’t want — in a job. What is going well in the physician’s current job, and what would they like to change? I ask questions to help them uncover the answers, but I’d challenge every physician to go through the exercise annually on their own. What better time to do it than at the end of the calendar year? Here are a few things to keep in mind as you reflect.
Be Honest with Yourself
What do you like about your job? What would you change if you could? Reflect on how your current situation aligns with your priorities and values by answering these questions: Is your caseload manageable? Are you treating cases that interest you? Do you have adequate support from clinical staff? Do you feel fairly compensated? Does management listen to your ideas and concerns? Does your schedule allow you to give enough attention to your personal life? Have you (and your family) settled into the broader community, or are you dreaming of another location?
Set Clear Priorities
No job is perfect, so it’s essential to know your non-negotiables. And don’t be surprised if your priorities have changed since you accepted your current job. This is especially true for physicians in their first jobs post-training. Many leave residency focused on compensation or location. However, they quickly see the impact of culture, work-life balance, and governance on job satisfaction. A joint Jackson Physician Search and MGMA study from 2023 confirmed compensation as the number one factor driving first-job decisions. However, when physicians were asked what made them leave their first jobs, the most commonly cited reason was the “practice ownership/governance model.” It’s not unusual for early-career physicians to experience a shift in priorities. It can happen at any stage of a physician’s career, so it’s critical to check in and realign. Prioritizing your goals will provide clarity and help you evaluate future opportunities effectively.
Evaluate Your Long-Term Career Goals
Think about where you want your career to be in five or ten years. Are you on track to meet those goals in your current role? If not, what changes would help you get there? Whether pursuing physician leadership positions, transitioning to a new practice model, or even reducing your workload as you approach retirement, reflecting on your long-term aspirations will guide your next steps.
Research and Explore Opportunities
Once you’ve clarified your priorities and goals, start exploring the job market. December is an ideal time to network, browse job boards, and submit applications. The hiring process can take several months, so if you envision yourself in a new opportunity in the near future, you’ll need to start now.
Seek Expert Guidance
An experienced physician recruiter can be invaluable as you consider your options. Recruiters provide insight into the market, connect you with potential employers, and help you navigate contract negotiations. Even if the recruiter isn’t currently working to fill a role that meets your needs, he or she will keep you in mind for future opportunities and share your CV with peers. Be transparent about your likes and dislikes and keep an open mind to the recruiter’s suggestions. They may have precisely what you are looking for in a location you hadn’t considered. But don’t just take my word for it. These job search success stories demonstrate the vital role physician recruiters play in helping physicians find jobs that align with their professional and personal priorities.
Take Action
Reflection is valuable, but it’s only the first step. Use the clarity you gain during this process to take actionable steps toward finding the right role. Whether that means updating your CV, contacting your network, or scheduling conversations with a recruiter, progress begins with a plan.
Closing Thoughts
The end of the year is a natural time to pause, reflect, and plan for the future. By evaluating your current job, clarifying your goals, and exploring your options, you can set yourself up for a fulfilling career move in the new year. Remember, the right job is out there — it’s just a matter of knowing what you want and taking the steps to find it.
Whether you are just curious about the physician job market or ready to start your search, the recruitment team at Jackson Physician Search is eager to get to know you and learn your job preferences. Contact us today or start searching for physician jobs online now.
About Neal Waters
Neal’s career in retained physician search began more than 15 years ago. Early on, he recognized the strain an entire community feels when there is a shortage of physicians to meet patient demand. Since his first successful placement, Neal’s passion for identifying the best providers for each healthcare organization with which he recruits has grown.
Neal serves as Regional Vice President of Recruiting. In his role, he serves as a mentor to a growing team of Jackson Physician Search recruiters. He also enjoys collaborating with in-house recruiters who are dedicated to optimizing their physician recruitment and candidate acquisition strategies. Likewise, Neal specializes in helping physicians, especially residents and those early in their careers, advance their professional careers by finding the right fit.
