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For any physician, making a decision between hospital employment vs. private practice takes a little thought. Each employment setting has both benefits and disadvantages, so you’ll want to determine which of the two offers more of the former in your situation. For example, if you have significant debt from student loans, your salary may take precedence over other factors. Your choice basically boils down to finances, autonomy and administrative work. 

Money Matters
Your potential starting salary in private practice may be less than what you could earn by working for a hospital, because a private practice makes its money on net collections. It takes time to build up significant income. Another consideration: when you work for a hospital, you’ll have to go through regular salary and contract negotiations. In addition to salary, you should consider other potential benefits like retirement, health insurance and the operational costs of private practice. If you choose a non-profit hospital in a medically underserved area, you may be eligible for loan forgiveness, which can make a significant contribution to your personal bottom line. Other issues: relocation assistance or a sign-on bonus.

Autonomy
Let’s face it — when you work for yourself, you call all the shots. That includes both patient care and operational management decisions. Working for a group physician practice means you’ll have more of a voice than working for a hospital. For some physicians, not having to make some of those decisions sounds like a terrific idea. But it can also mean that you have to live with the organization’s EMR or clinical practice guidelines. The support staff you work with report to the hospital, not you. If the organization adopts new practice or quality metrics, you’ll need to meet them even if you don’t agree with them.

Operational Aspects
As the boss, or one of the bosses, you’ll have to worry about things like payroll, human resource decisions, payor contracts, marketing and capital outlays. If you and your partners own your office building, there will be mortgage payments and maintenance issues. When you work for a hospital, someone else handles all those details. On the down side, it could mean you have to share an office or support staff, and if the organization decides to change a service line in which you practice, you may not be able to influence the decisions.

Other Considerations
One thing a hospital offers that you don’t usually find in private practice is the opportunity for shift work. Say you have young children, and want to adjust your work time to coincide with their schedules, or at least minimize conflicts. In a hospital specialty like emergency medicine or as a hospitalist, shift work is more likely to be an option. Shift work may also mean that you don’t have to take call.

The Bottom Line
Before you leap into either hospital employment or private practice, do your homework. Talk to colleagues on both sides of the equation, including recent graduates and experienced physicians. Ideally, find a few who have experience in both environments. Become familiar with the legislative and quality incentives looming in the future and consider how they may affect your practice style in both environments; remember, hospitals will be held more accountable for many of these issues. Consider potential reimbursement trends, such as a switch from direct production to ancillary services. Identify your negotiating strengths. For example, primary care physicians may have a lot of leverage right now because of shortages and high demand in that specialty.

Elliot Health System (EHS) is the largest provider of comprehensive healthcare services in Southern New Hampshire. Check out our current job opportunities to see if you’re a match today!

This network update goes over an Ebola Update, Physician Assistant Rotations, a General Medical Staff Meeting Reminder and more.

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One of the many advantages of working in the medical field is the fact that there are so many career paths to choose from. Right now a list of the best jobs for doctors includes jobs that pay well, are in high demand, and are challenging.

The field of family medicine
According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, salaries in family medicine are on the rise. On average, family physicians can expect to bring in $195,000 per year. That’s a full 10% rise compared to stats from the previous year – and shows the fifth highest growth compared to all specialties.

Salary isn’t the only reason that the field of family medicine is one of the best jobs for doctors. According to the article linked above, 73% of physicians working in family medicine said they’re satisfied with their career – which is the highest of any of the specialties polled.

Emergency medicine
The American College of Emergency Physicians completed a survey of their own members and discovered that they make an average of $301,274 per year. This survey covers more than 1,000 physicians in all states and Washington D.C. About 70% of those polled were staff physicians and the other 30% were directors of emergency departments.

Job growth is another factor that makes emergency medicine one of the best jobs for doctors. 66% of the emergency physicians polled said their departments had hired more physicians in the last year and 56% said they believed their department would hire additional physicians within the next year. The stats vary based on which state you’re looking at but consider that 82% of hospitals in the Northeast have fast tracked emergency physicians.

Internal medicine
According to Medscape, internal medicine salaries vary greatly. For example, the mean salary in this specialty is $185,000 but more than 10% of those in the field earn more than $300,000 a year. Of those surveyed, 20% had received a raise within the previous year which shows this is specialty with potential for salary growth.

More internists say they’re happy with their jobs than those who say they’re not happy – and the percentage of physicians satisfied with this specialty has risen by more than 10% in just three years. As with any career, not everyone is happy but these stats make it clear that conditions are improving.

Internal medicine is also a great job for physicians who’d prefer to spend the majority of their time seeing patients instead of filing paperwork: The greatest percentage of those surveyed said they spend 30 – 40 hours per week seeing patients.

The salaries and roles of each job listed will vary based on where a candidate lives, their experience, and a variety of other factors. However, these are the best jobs for doctors when average salary and job growth are compared.

Would you like to see what’s available at Elliot Health System for Emergency and Internal Medicine? Click the button below!

Interviews are nerve-wracking at all levels of the medical profession, but they are especially stressful for aspiring physicians, who must field questions about everything from specific medical procedures to medical ethics. Fortunately, even the worst interviewer can improve with practice. Keep the following considerations in mind as you discover how to prepare for a physician job interview.

Research the clinic or hospital

The more you know about the culture of the practice or hospital in which you hope to work, the better you will understand how and why you are a good fit. Personal research should extend beyond merely glimpsing at the practice’s website and Facebook page. Experts at the New England Journal of Medicine recommend that all job candidates conduct in-depth internet searches to determine which other clinics the practice is affiliated with, what types of studies it has been involved in, and how its staff members are perceived by patients and medical professionals practicing elsewhere.

Be prepared for common interview questions

No two interviews are exactly alike, but certain themes tend to emerge again and again. The following questions are especially common: 

• Why did you choose to go into medicine?
• Why are you interested in this particular position?
• Are you currently seeking employment at any other medical practices?
• How do you handle pressure in a professional setting?

You should be prepared to answer these questions, you also will need to avoid sounding overly rehearsed. Think long and hard about your goals as a physician and use this passion to guide your responses.

Practice answering unusual questions

Although the questions listed above are bound to come up as you learn how to prepare for a physician job interview, the interviewer may also ask several very specific questions designed to assess your medical expertise and your problem solving skills. You will need to develop an ability to respond quickly and succinctly to challenging and unexpected questions. The best way to hone this ability is to pair up with a fellow job seeker or former medical school classmate and ask each other purposefully difficult questions that you’ve drafted for the sake of practice.

Prepare a few questions of your own

Interviewers do not look favorably upon job candidates who, when asked whether they have any questions, fail to show that they’ve done their research. Thus, it is imperative that you prepare a handful of detailed questions that demonstrate your medical expertise. These questions will differ greatly depending on the nature of the organization with which you hope to work, so avoid the temptation to follow a one-size-fits-all approach and use the same questions during every interview.

Stick with conservative business clothing

The question of how to prepare for a physician job interview is not merely answered with good questions and research. Attire also plays an important role. If your outfit is too casual or too formal, it really doesn’t matter how well you answer questions; interviewers will come away only thinking of your inappropriate attire. When in doubt, opt for conservative business dress. This means a standard business suit for men, and either a skirt or pant suit for women. Medscape advises interviewers to keep jewelry and cologne to a minimum. 

A good interviewee is professional, knowledgeable, and passionate. A great interviewee possesses not only these qualities, but also a confident demeanor. The best way to acquire this confidence is to conduct thorough research and to practice interviewing as often as possible. 

Want to learn about job openings at Elliot Health System? Click the button below now:

This network update goes over The Advanced Clinical Practitioner Open Forum for Provider Alignment, Physician Assistant Rotations for Provider Alignment and more.

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This network update goes over Growth, Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Surverys, Emergency Services Staffing Update and more.

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This network update goes over the TJC point of care (POC) survey, the EPN/S Network Vision and more.

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The stress of moving is indisputable. Packing years’ worth of possessions, changing all of the digital information that keeps a household running, adjusting your family’s routine to a new schedule, new environment, new friends–it has the potential to add up to one big headache. As a physician, taking a new position to further your career can be tempting, but if that career change also involves relocating, you have many factors to think about beyond the benefits of the job itself.

Consider the following trade-offs of relocating for a physician career:

1. The Benefits of the Job:
   In addition to a competitive salary, are there other benefits that the potential new job can offer you and your family? Will you be provided retirement packages, excellent healthcare options, or savings programs? Is there childcare available, and will the company offer a relocation package to defer the hidden costs and headaches of moving? These are just some of the questions you should explore when thinking of relocating for your career. Think long term.
2. The Complete Community:
   Presumably, you will not be working 24 hours a day, but will desire to keep a healthy balance between your work and personal life. Depending on how you spend your down time, investigate all that the community has to offer you. Whether you are looking for a place of worship, opportunities for recreation and physical exercise, or arts and entertainment, you want to be sure the new area you are moving to has all of the appeal of the place you currently call home–and more!
3. The Unexpected Perks: It may seem like a small thing, but the reality is that any way you can save money in today’s economy will ultimately lead to a solid financial tradeoff for those who know their options. Compare, for example, the income and sales taxes of your current and future states. Find out if the cost of living is the same or if you will potentially save money. Does your new career include vacation time or employee assistance programs? Think outside of the box to really investigate and get a full picture of what your relocation may look like.
4. The A to Z of Housing:
   One potential tradeoff of relocating for a physician’s job is the opportunity to choose a new housing situation that matches your new need. Maybe you have been living in too big of a house for your need, and you’re really just looking for a small apartment or townhouse. Or maybe the opposite is true–it’s time to add on some space, to better accommodate your growing family situation. Moving certainly gives you a complete picture of the housing situation available to you in the new community and the chance to explore every option until you get just the right place for you and your family.

At Elliot Health System, we are dedicated to helping you make a smooth transition into joining not only our community of healthcare providers but our local population at large. We believe that the trade-offs of relocating to New Hampshire to join our team far outweigh the stress of moving. Contact us today if you are interested in learning more about what Elliot Health System has to offer a physician who is looking to make a transition to a new career.

You’ve done all of the research, considered every option, and now you’ve decided that Elliot Health System is definitely the right choice for the next move in your career as a physician. Congratulations! You are now an important part of the largest complete healthcare system in Southern New Hampshire, with a Mission and Vision to INSPIRE wellness, HEAL our patients, and SERVE with compassion in every interaction.

Making the decision to relocate (especially to another state) can have many hidden stressors. It doesn’t, however, have to leave you stressed out during this exciting time of your life. There are ways to prepare for the move that will ensure a smooth transition; here are 5 simple tips to make your relocation process easy, and allow you to keep your sanity:

1. Basic Paperwork Saves Headaches:
Make a chart of every utility that you will need to cancel in your current location, and a separate list of each utility that will need to be connected in your soon-to-be new home. Include contact information (websites and phone numbers) and pertinent dates. Also, make a note to change your address no less than 2 weeks ahead of the scheduled move date. Remembering this step will prevent you from the headache of lost mail, misdirected information, and confusion.
2. To Hire a Moving Company:
Many people find it easiest to simply hire a moving company to come in and pack and move all of their possessions. While this can be a cost-effective tradeoff for your time, be aware that there can also be some pitfalls to hiring strangers to move your household. Hidden costs, odd rules, and impersonal approach to handling your families’ valuables are just some of the things to consider as reasons against letting a moving company do your heavy lifting–still, you can’t argue that not having to box things up late into the night does sound like a dream come true. Only you can decide which option is best for your case. Elliot Health System can assist in making recommendations if you are considering this option.

3. …Or not (Using Your Friends’ Help Without Losing Friends):
If the risks of a moving company are too great, asking friends and family to help in this daunting task is always an excellent (and usually free!) way to get assistance. It is important to remember that you want to maintain good relationships after the moving date. Using their help without losing your friends depends on you keeping in mind that their time and resources are just as valuable as yours. Use their time wisely and efficiently. Also, keep them from being hungry and thirsty–even if it’s just takeout granola bars and bottles of water, a fed friend is a happy helper.

4. Stay Organized and Clean:
Staying organized is as easy as labeling accurately (maybe even keeping a running list of what items are in which box), wrapping efficiently (plastic wrap does wonders for holding smaller objects together), and maintaining a system that works for you (do your research, there are plenty of options available for every personality type). One final thought: whether you are renting or selling, it is critical that your old living space is left cleaned and tidy. This is not only a matter of respect, but can often be the difference between getting your deposit back or not.

5. Relax:
Obstacles will reveal themselves. This simplest advice may be the best of all. Don’t allow the bumps along the way to cause you to lose sight of the fun in the journey. Becoming a part of the Elliot Health System is an adventure waiting to happen!

If you haven’t already considered a career with Elliot Health System, you can check out our open positions below.

Thinking of relocating for a better physician job? There are many good reasons you might want to pursue an opportunity outside your local community – even in another state or on the other side of the country. As with any other profession though, it’s important to consider all the facts before you make a decision. A big move can be challenging, but it might be the best choice you can make.

Let’s consider three main reasons physicians relocate for a job:

1. Lower Insurance Costs or Regulatory Burden
Although much of a physician’s overhead comes from federal mandates, each state has its own complexities that add to the mix. Many physicians find that they are in a difficult position in their home state and may even face difficulties paying off student loans within a reasonable timeframe. If this describes you, it’s important to look at both the salary you stand to earn and the out-of-pocket expenses required by your new practice area. Finding an employer dedicated to competitive compensation can help lighten the load and support your long-term goals.

2. Stronger Support Network and Physician Benefits
Physicians face unique professional challenges and don’t always have the luxury of leaving their work behind when they’re done for the day. When an employer’s benefits are both creative and comprehensive, they promote a much healthier work environment for all medical professionals. Perks like an employee assistance program, direct deposit, an on-site cafeteria, and other benefits can help you feel more secure: You know you’ll have resources at your fingertips even in times of trouble. Of course, some physicians simply “click” better with certain work environments, improving their performance and morale.

3. Improved Quality of Living and Personal Well-Being
Naturally, there are some things that can’t be quantified so easily. You might want to move to a certain area to be closer to your family or friends, for example. You might find a certain community is the right size or has the right amenities for your lifestyle. Or you might simply enjoy the climate, architecture, history, culture, or “feel” of a certain place. Whatever the case may be, it’s important to listen to these gut feelings about what will work best for you. Sometimes, change is good for its own sake – and having a good job lined up will help promote stability in your new home.

Elliot Health System of Manchester, New Hampshire is changing the way physicians and their families think about work. Our flagship location, Elliot Hospital, has provided Southern New Hampshire with over a century of service. Now, we’re taking the lead in extending that spirit of service to our physicians and their loved ones through robust benefits. We want to help the members of our care community achieve a healthy, balanced way of life.

You can learn more about open positions at Elliot Health System by clicking below.