Employment Settings for Physicians: Making the Right Choice

Employment Settings for Physicians: Making the Right Choice

When searching for physician employment opportunities, it is important to consider the employment setting. Most people have a preferred style of work that is often best suited in certain employment settings. Accepting a permanent position can sometimes result in a lifelong commitment, and knowing where you shine will aid in the decision-making process. With a few different employment environments to choose from, in a full spectrum of size and capability, you'll be sure to find a perfect fit.

In 2006, 15 percent of physicians were self-employed. Owning your own business and operating an independent practice is the ultimate in freedom, in regards to employment settings, and sometimes it can be a real headache. Physicians who have an independent practice can set their own hours, manage their caseload, and implement their own policies. The patients are their employers, and this can often enrich the physician-patient relationship. On the other hand, managing an independent practice can bring along quite a bit of added responsibility. The billing, marketing and office management duties will fall on the shoulders of the physician, unless a staff or outsourced company is hired. It is highly recommended that independent practice physicians hire a very small, knowledgeable staff to give them more time for patient care.

The hospital is a common employment setting for physicians. In 2006, 18 percent of physicians were working in a hospital setting. The hospital can offer a variety of employment opportunities for physicians. Whether it's working in the Emergency Department, or as a Hospitalist, or even in Management, the hospital is bound to have an opportunity available that is of interest. Hospitals are often on the cutting edge of technology, and on the front lines providing for the community. Many hospitals are affiliated with higher learning institutions, and can provide the physician with an educationally enriching employment atmosphere. Hospitals often employ specialist and can often afford to pay them handsomely for their services. High salary often comes with a price, and physicians working for hospitals tend to sacrifice their free time in the exchange.

The majority of physicians prefer to join a group of established physicians working together in a group practice, or clinic. Physicians choose to work in a clinic because it is a practical and flexible employment setting. Often times, physicians will hold office hours at the clinic, and schedule hospital rounds to visit patients who are admitted. They will commonly rotate the duties of fielding patient's late night concerns on-call with the other physicians in the practice, giving them some free time. The schedule of a clinic physician makes it an ideal employment environment. The average salary for a clinic physician is competitive, and varies on the size of the practice. Clinics also provide the physician with the opportunity to work in more rural locations, and reach more patients. So no matter what your lifestyle, there is sure to be an employment setting that meets your needs and plays to your strengths. Remember, every prospective employer operates differently. It is always recommended that you ask as many questions as you can, to can a complete picture of what life may be like in your new employment setting.

POST COMMENT

Unique Employment for the College Crowd Tackling Nigeria's unemployment challenges: the imperative for competent data Philippine Call Centers – An Employment Boon 3 Top Reasons to Perform Pre Employment Screening Unemployment Fluctuates in Weak Economic system Petroleum Drilling Employment - What You Should Know A Century of Pre Employment Testing Improves Hiring Success Things You Have to Know About the Pre-Employment Screening Process Need of Employment Screening Services Retailers Hiring Seasonal Employment Employment Cover Letter Examples Lost Unemployment Benefits Reveal The Awesome Perks Of Penny Auctions For The Holidays Ir35 Impact As A Result Of Your Employment Status