When you were first dreaming about becoming a doctor, there is a good chance that most of the dream was just about helping and healing people without much thought to where it would occur. Now that your dream has become a reality, you are probably amazed at how many options you have regarding a practice setting. You have worked extremely hard to get where you are, so it is important to choose a practice setting that fits your personality and gives you the best opportunity to live out your dream. Let’s look at several the things you should consider when choosing a practice setting.
Market Demographics
Many physicians who grew up in a small town or a rural community want to practice medicine in a rural setting. Others who grew up in the city may just want to spend more time enjoying nature in wide-open spaces. While there may not be a large variety of practice settings to choose from, many doctors favor the pace and lifestyle benefits that a rural community can provide.
Physicians who choose to practice in urban or more metropolitan areas will have many more practice options to choose from. In larger metro areas, doctors will experience more growth opportunities, higher patient volumes, and also have more access to support than those in rural communities.
Employment Model
Most recently, the trend for physicians is to leave their self-employed practice setting for a hospital or large system setting. While some physicians are considering a return to private practice, the overall demand for practicing physicians is driving up the number of opportunities available in hospital settings and large private practice partnerships.
Many physicians prefer working in a hospital setting as a way to ensure a stable income with greater opportunities to earn bonuses and negotiate more favorable work hours. In a partnership setting, physicians are bridging the gap between being self-employed and the stability of a hospital setting. As a partner or at a minimum on a partnership track, physicians have a greater say in how the practice operates, fostering patient relationships, and contributing to the workplace culture.
Type of Organization
Much of your decision on the type of practice setting you want to work will be based on whether or not you want to work in a large or small setting. Obviously, if you want to be self-employed, you will be working in a smaller practice environment. If you choose to work in a large health system environment, you will have the luxury of having a stable flow of patients as well as access to a plethora of referring physicians.
If you are a specialist, you may want to practice in a single-specialty group that is independent or affiliated with a larger health system. Others choose to practice in a larger group that has multiple specialties included within the organization. This allows patients to have easier access to different specialists when necessary.
Working in a clinic setting may be the perfect choice for doctors who want to work in rural or underserved communities. Clinics typically offer a stable schedule with regular hours and even weekends off! A downfall to working in a clinic environment is usually lower compensation and a lack of growth potential.
No one needs to tell you that a career as a physician is both rewarding and difficult. The hard part of the equation is the main reason why it is so important for you to choose the right practice setting so you can achieve everything you dreamed of before becoming a doctor. Finding a setting that affords you the opportunity to succeed and in an environment that fits your personal culture and values will lead to a long and personally healthy career.
Is it time for you to explore other opportunities and take your career to the next level? Working with a Jackson Physician Search recruitment professional can be the jump start you need. Contact our team of dedicated, industry experts today!
