Finding the Right Fit: 5 Doctors Share Insights for New Physicians
The transition from residency or fellowship to a first attending position is a important career step. Where you choose to practice can profoundly impact your professional fulfillment and personal well-being. The american Medical Association recently highlighted the diverse paths taken by five physicians, offering valuable lessons for those embarking on this journey.
Choosing a System for Career & Life: Dr. Alex at Rush University System for Health
For Dr. Alex, selecting Rush University System for Health in Chicago was a deliberate decision rooted in both professional opportunity and personal considerations. She prioritized a location that supported both her career and her husband’s. The benefits of a major city – diverse opportunities and access to desired activities - were key. Equally vital was proximity to family and friends, recognizing the invaluable emotional support, potential childcare assistance, and sense of community that nearby loved ones provide, especially given the demanding hours often associated with a physician’s schedule. Rush University System for Health is also a member of the AMA Health System member Programme.
Prioritizing Autonomy in Private Practice: Dr. Bhatnagar at Privia Health
Dr.Bhatnagar, practicing at Frederick Primary Care Associates in Maryland, sought a different balance. After experiencing increasing control over her practice by hospital systems – specifically concerns about workflow, scheduling, and unclear quality metrics – she transitioned to private practice with Privia health, also an AMA Health System Member Program participant. Maintaining physician autonomy was paramount, and she proactively inquired about the level of control she would retain within the practice.
Building a Culture of Collaboration: A Physician Executive at advocate Health
With 34 years of experience, including 28 in ob-gyn and the last six as a physician executive, the current Chief Physician Executive at Advocate Health (formed from the merger with Atrium Health) found her long-term fit early in her career. Her positive experience during residency,working with both faculty and community physicians,revealed a collaborative culture where support and teamwork were consistently demonstrated. This environment proved crucial in her decision to join and remain with the organization. Advocate Health is also part of the AMA Health System Member Program.
The Freedom of Design: Dr. Tyroch and intellimedicine
For Dr. Tyroch, the appeal lay in complete control. After over 30 years in practice,she established Intellimedicine,a solo practice in El Paso,texas. She described the process of designing her own practice as incredibly exciting, akin to building a home, allowing her vision and dreams to take shape in every detail.She emphasized that this initial design phase is just the beginning of a continuous development process.
Beyond the Choice: Resources for New Physicians
These diverse experiences demonstrate that there’s no single “right” path for new physicians. The AMA offers resources to help navigate this critical decision. A “cheat sheet” is available for those seeking their first job post-residency (https://www.ama-assn.org/medical-residents/transition-resident-attending/first-physician-job-post-residency-get-your-cheat). The AMA’s “Transitioning to Practice” series provides guidance on everything from deciding where to practice and negotiating contracts to managing work-life balance, with specific resources for those considering private practice (https://www.ama-assn.org/practice-management/private-practices/getting-started-private-practice).
