Residency will be over before you know it, it’s so important to start planning and consider your future goals. It’s never to early to start looking, start working on your resume/CV and talking to current faculty/alumni in various jobs. Do you want to be a primary care physician, academic physician, work in private practice, locums tenens, nocturnist/hospitalist? Before doing the search, it’s important to reflect, take a step back and ask yourself what it is your really want. What does your ideal work day look like, what are your deal breakers, where do you want to practice? Utilize your network and ask around for opportunities.
Once you are done with PGY2 and passed your Step 3/COMLEX 3, you can apply for your license. The requirements can differ from state to state, some use the FCVS website where they store your credentials and it can help you apply for multiple state licenses. It is additional $$$ but also convenient.
This page is not all inclusive, and you should do your own research, but this is a good start!
Outpatient primary care
timeline
Start looking for jobs by July-October (NOW!) of your PGY-3 year and the goal should be to sign a contract by February at the latest, after this is credentialing, which can take up to 6 months. In the meantime, work on your CV/Cover letter and have it reviewed by a mentor. Ideally you want multiple interviews and multiple offers to leverage and negotiate what is best for you.
where to look?
Below are some websites you can use, however you can also go directly to an organization you would like to work for and contact the department directly.
INterview- what questions to ask
Workflow in clinic, how is the support staff?
Schedule, how many admin days do you get, ideally you want 2 sessions (1 session is 1/2 day)?
What is the call schedule?
What does your census look like? How many patients per day? RVU?
Academic vs. Community primary care
What percent of time can you spend in a private clinic?
hospitalist
timeline.
The timeline looks similar to primary care positions. Start early!! Meet with your advisors/mentors, hospitalists, to discuss your plans. Finding the right hospitalist position can help make the transition from resident to attending more palatable.
WHERE TO LOOK?
Below are some websites you can use, however you can also go directly to an organization you would like to work for and contact the department directly.
Compare salarieS
Glassdoor Job Search | Find the job that fits your life
interview- what questions to ask?
Private vs. academic (how many weeks of teaching, research, QI?)
Open vs. closed ICU
How many procedures are you expected to do?
Shift schedules, is it 7days on/7 days off, 14 days on/14 days off, Monday-Friday?
What is the average census, 15-20patients?
Night coverage?
Is there adequate subspecialty support?
Working with housestaff, midlevels NP/PAs?
What is the patient population?
what is it?
Locums tenens allows physicians to try out different practice settings and also try new places.
resources
Locum Tenens: Lifestyle, Opportunities Attracting More Physicians - NEJM CareerCenter Resources
Locum Tenens: The Motivators, Prerequisite Knowledge, and Benefits - NEJM CareerCenter Resources
Questions to ask yourself and recruiter
What is the reason for current opening?
Does the position have long term potential?
What do you want to get out of your locums assignment ?
What cities or states do you want to work in?
Do you provide malpractice insurance?
What specific expenses are paid for?
locums tenens
cv, cover letter, interviews
Attire
Although some of your interviews will be virtual, always dress business professional.
CV
General 2 — Cafe Loggia (Check under CV templates)
Cover letter
Keep this short, 2-3 paragraphs, and 1 page max. Make sure to be clear early in the letter about who you are are and why you are writing. Personalize the letter with details that show you know the position.
Introduce yourself and explain why you are writing (interested in a specific job?)
Details about yourself, your career goals/interests
Thank the recipient, end with saying that you look forward to hearing back from them soon.
Always double check, spell check, and have someone else read it!
Provide the cover letter to employers even if they don’t request it. Address any gaps that are evident on your CV.
interview Tips
Tips for the First Interview | Residency Career Guidance | ACP (acponline.org)
How to ace the job interview process - Today's Hospitalist (todayshospitalist.com)
Physician Interview Questions and Answers | Job Search Tips (comphealth.com)