We’ve all heard the references to “flyover” America when talking about cities and states in the central regions of the United States. Often times, these so-called flyover states are overlooked by physicians and advanced practice professionals when considering their next job opportunity. Doing that might turn out to be a bigger mistake than you realize. Considering opportunities in less populous states and rural communities can be the best way to land a job that provides a combination of work/life balance and quality of life that may not be found in sprawling urban areas. With physician burnout and unmanageable work schedules increasingly at the forefront, now is the time to discover parts of this country you never knew existed.
The Reason Why
Your career should not be all about a big salary. A $380,000 salary in San Francisco or “the Big Apple” won’t get what you can with $240,000 in Duluth or Colorado Springs. Imagine being able to practice medicine outside of a bureaucracy, spending time with patients instead of managing quotas, and then actually having a life outside of the workplace. Does that sound like something you can get into?
Let’s take a look at states that have wide open spaces and a lot of physician opportunities for those who are ready to make a change.
Minnesota
The ‘Land of 10,000 Lakes’ is an outdoor lover’s dream. From recreational water sports activities in the summer to ice skating and fishing in the winters. In Minnesota, weekend retreats to a cabin on the lake is a family tradition that goes back generations. One fact about Minnesota that you may not know is that it has one of the most highly educated populations in the country, second only to Massachusetts.
Wisconsin
Another state with a variety of physician and advanced practice opportunities is the ‘Dairy State,’ Wisconsin. If you are a fan of cheese, ice cream, and other dairy products, you can’t go wrong here. From the quaint charm of Egg Harbor to the bustling metropolis of Milwaukee, Wisconsin has something for everyone. Year round festivals, professional and college sports galore, and outdoor activities of all types, Wisconsin is a great state to raise a family.
Colorado
Do you like to ski and wish you had more time for that and other winter sports? Colorado is famous for being the ultimate ski destination. Finding your physician opportunity in the ‘Rocky Mountain State’ means that you will not only be close to world-class ski resorts but actually have the time to enjoy them. Coloradans are health fanatics, and there are plenty of outdoor fitness opportunities allowing you to enjoy the more than 300 days of sunshine a year.
Texas
While not typically included in discussions of flyover states, there is much more to Texas than the big cities of Dallas, Fort Worth, and Austin. Rural opportunities for physicians abound in Texas, and many are in and around locations in the southern part of the state. If you have always wanted to be near the water, the Houston/Galveston area is situated near the Gulf Coast, while farther inland the beauty and history found near San Antonio is hard to pass up. Texas is very financially friendly as the economy is booming and homeownership is easier than in highly taxed and more regulated states.
Start Looking
Now is the perfect time to reconsider your career options. Opportunities reside all over the country and if balance is something that is missing in your life, take a flyer on a flyover state and see if it is right for you.
Jackson Physician Search is an industry leader in placing physicians and advanced practice professionals into opportunities that provide them with the work/life balance and professional growth they need. Get started by contacting one of our physician recruitment professionals today, or use our powerful job search tool and discover some of the incredible opportunities we have available.
