When you are faced with multiple offers for a physician job, it can be tough to decide which is the best fit for you. A new job can have a major impact on your career as a physician and it’s important that the new position moves your career in the right direction.
Here are some of the major points to consider when evaluating a physician job opportunity:
Location
If the new position requires relocating, is this the right move for you and your family? You’ll want to consider climate, schools, and housing options. Urban vs. suburban vs. rural. Cultural opportunities and outdoor activities. Anything that is important to your lifestyle and that of your family. You wouldn’t want to relocate just for a job or money – you want to be sure you’ll be happy in your new town.
Practice Setting
Do you prefer a small clinic or a large hospital? Or something in between? If you know what you like, stick with it! But if it’s time for a change, this could be your opportunity.
Corporate Culture
Just like in other professions, as a physician you spend a lot of time with your colleagues. Having positive interactions with them is an important part of feeling happy at work. It’s also nice if your fellow physicians share your professional philosophies and ideas. If you happen to know someone who works at the place you’re considering accepting an offer from, ask if they can share any insight about their own experiences, as well as the community in general.
Employee turnover is harder to determine as an outsider, but it’s a great metric for evaluating a position. If new doctors are constantly being hired, it’s worth looking into – there may be undesirable conditions behind the scenes. Again, if you have a contact there, ask if they have any additional information.
The professional reputation of the practice is another aspect to consider. Are the physicians who work there highly regarded by the rest of the medical community? Do members of the community view them as having high standards of practice?
Compensation
Along with salary, what other benefits does the position offer? Signing bonuses, incentives, paid time off, flexible working hours, insurance, and other perks are all part of the total compensation package. Some positions even offer school loan repayment. Do your calculations and make sure the job change is a step in the right direction.
Accepting the right offer can propel your career in the direction you want it to go and set you on the path towards financial success and long-term professional fulfillment. If you’re looking for a physician job, you can search our physician job board. Or if you’d like help navigating the sometimes-tricky world of employment, contact one of our specialty-specific medical recruiters and we will guide you through the process.