What to Look for in Your First Job after Residency

The successful transition from residency to practicing physician is littered with numerous hurdles and questions. Responsibilities such as creating a CV, interviewing, negotiating your first contract, and considering malpractice and disability insurance are important, but perhaps the most obvious task is finding the right job. Just as significant as how to look for a job is what to look for in a job.

A publication by Medical Doctor Associates on transitioning out of residency advises how to clearly define what you are looking for and narrow your job search. The section on negotiation suggests not necessarily taking the best financial offer, a notion that is also echoed in an article from the New England Journal of Medical, which cautions about the realities of the first year of practice. It profiles Jennifer Shu, M.D., who is the current chair of the American Medical Association’s Young Physicians Section. Based on her own experience, she recommends taking your time to evaluate options and doing your homework before diving into a career.

PAIRO, a medical organization based in Ontario, offers tips for evaluating practice opportunities that are relevant no matter what country you want to practice in. Their website poses some great questions to consider, and break down various practice management issues into three categories: Personal and Family Issues; Professional and Vocational Satisfaction Issues; and Income issues.

The American College of Physicians outlines and analyzes six resources that you can turn to not just for finding jobs, but also for advice, contacts, and information. These resources include professional organizations, attending physicians and residency alumni, professional publications, physician recruiters, database companies, and the Internet.

After years of schooling and training, you should be excited to start your career as a practicing physician; however, don’t let that excitement rush you through the process of finding the right job for you.