physician careers

Article Written by “Dr Deane” Waldman, MD MBA and Curated by Jill Stagner

Horace Greeley is often credited with admonishing adventurous Americans, “Go West, young man, Go West!” A modern healthcare paraphrase might be, “Go Community, Young Doctor—You Will Be Glad You Did!”

Physicians finished with training have many options where to practice, but limited understanding of where to achieve the best balance. The answer is a community hospital.

Doctors from generalists to subspecialists all seek a proper relationship between professional life and personal life. The more they work, the better they do financially and the more time they have with patients. But…the more they work, the less time they have with family and the fewer opportunities to enjoy the benefits of those financial rewards.

Community hospital practice offers the optimal balance of personal and professional.

Start with respect. To the 1000-bed University hospital, the doctor is a fungible commodity. To patients, doctors are faceless, nameless impersonal entities among a myriad of providers. Doctors have to park four blocks away from the hospital and have to pay for the privilege.

At a 75-bed community hospital, the doctor has a parking space near the Doctors’ Entrance. At one community hospital, hospital staff used to wash all the cars in the doctors’ parking lot, automatically. Sadly, they stopped doing this years ago but to this day the food in that community hospital’s doctor’s dining room is a three-star restaurant—the antithesis of hospital cafeteria food.

At the community hospital, everyone knows the doctor’s name (and other personal details) from the CEO and CMO to the patients. They care for and about the doctor—make no mistake. At the University Hospital, they couldn’t care less.

Financially, doctors do better at a community hospital. The doctor is a prized asset. At the major medical center, doctors are simply one more cog in a massive bureaucratic machine.

Being a valued person at the community hospital carries another advantage of which the newbie MD may not be aware: protection. There are a host of federal mandates that govern physicians’ professional life from reporting functions to medical liability. Large, impersonal medical centers simply pass on all these onerous, unnecessary duties. When lawsuits come, hospital Risk Management is concerned with the institution, not the individual doctor.

The community hospital wants to make its doctors happy and to keep them there. Thus, they try to relieve to reduce the hassle as much as they can and defend their doctors vigorously when the medical negligence lawyer comes calling. 

Finally, community hospitals are outside of city center congestion or frankly rural. The lifestyle reflects that difference. Back in Chicago, a physician colleague and friend wanted the advantages of suburban living but practiced in a huge medical center in the downtown area. He had to plan his daily commute—90 minutes on a good day—around the traffic patterns and thus had to leave his beautiful home in Northfield at 5:30AM to minimize the driving time and the stop-start traffic he faced.

True, living near a community hospital makes it harder to use the amenities of the big city, but my friend in Northfield had the same disadvantage along with wasting all the time in his car that he can’t spend with family or with patients.  

Probably the greatest advantage of choosing a community hospital is connection with patients. The primary reason that people become doctors is the psychic reward. Doctors (just like nurses) feel good about themselves when they help others. The more time and closeness a care provider has with patients, the greater one’s professional satisfaction. The place to get the maximum psychic reward is a community hospital.

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Elliot Health System is a community hospital. If you’d like to learn more about opportunities within their system, click the button below!

There is no denying that mobile technology has changed the way business is done in the world of healthcare, and continues to do so at a rapid pace – particularly for physicians on many levels, from education to reference to visual aid to personal health monitoring. Nowadays, you are able to make an appointment, fill a prescription, search through a database, tour a hospital virtually, keep in touch with friends and family, order delivery and much, much more, all with just a few flicks on a screen! The same ease of use we are all becoming accustomed to is also extending to doctors and patients inside hospitals. For example, one of the more popular uses of mobile devices is as a patient education tool.

But, there are a ton of apps out there, medical and otherwise. So, how do you know which ones are worth downloading and using, as a physician? We have put together a list of the 5 best iPad apps for physicians. Check it out!

The Top Five Medical iPad Apps for Physicians 

1. My Chart Bedside – FREE ios ANDROID. My Chart Bedside is a useful tool for those who may need help getting their point across. This app gives doctors an effective way to communicate with their patients and also provides useful information regarding their care plan. This allows patients to feel more involved in their care. According to Physician’s Practice, “If you are working with a customer who is a little more educated on what you are trying to help them with, obviously it helps the process along. Patients are able to ask questions that they didn’t necessarily have the information to ask, in the past.
2. Medicode – FREE ios ANDROID. This very handy app for the iPhone and iPad is a life support reference tool that you simply must download and utilize if you are a physician, because you will never be left without a digital backup of your important printed-paper resources. According to Practice Link, the Medicode app: “presents information as an overview of an entire algorithm or as a step-by-step walk through in using the algorithm in an emergency.”
3. drawMD – FREE ios ANDROID. According to imedicalapps drawMD, “uses your mobile device to enhance doctor-patient communication by offering interactive visual guides as a new tool for explaining complex issues and possible medical and surgical solutions.”
4. BlackBag Medical Resources – FREE ios .Medical news, tools, and resources for health professionals across multiple specialties and therapeutic areas – what’s not to like? This is a “handy app,” says the American Pharmacists Association. 
5. Lexi-Comp. This is the only app on the list you will have to pay for. But, it’s worth it. This is a suite of mobile app databases, available only if you have an iPad. According to Lexi-Comp,“the databases and packages feature multiple indexes to expedite searching searching and advanced navigation to save valuable time. Updates to our content are available daily, so you always have timely clinical content at your fingertips.”

What sorts of iPad applications are you using as a physician? What sort of technology do you wish you could find? Elliot Health System is always looking to learn more about what physicians need from technology in and outside of the workplace! Tell us what you think on Facebook or Twitter today!

Find Out More About Elliot Health Systems

Elliot Health System of Manchester, New Hampshire is a full-service community resource that serves the southern New Hampshire region. We are made up of doctor’s offices, a regional trauma center, a rehabilitation services, state-of-the-art neonatal and many other services. We are changing the way physicians and their families think about working in the medical profession and utilizing mobile devices is helping aid this transition. Check out our site to learn more about Elliot Health System or visit our facility anytime!

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!

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:

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.

Promising new career opportunities affect the whole family, not just you as the job seeker. That’s why the Elliot Health System recognizes the need to include your spouse and family in the recruitment process. You can rest assured that your spouse and children will be included and all questions and concerns will be answered during the transition.

What Your Spouse Can Expect

When considering a new career, your spouse has valuable input as far as what the family needs during this transition. Moving to a new city and state can be very overwhelming, and Elliot recognizes this from the start. Your spouse will be included in the recruitment process from day one. When visiting New Hampshire your spouse will be introduced to the community and EHS can provided resources that may be helpful to learn about the area and community while you are busy interviewing and meeting with recruiters. Arrangement’s can be made to meet with other families that have gone through the recruitment process with EHS to hear first-hand accounts of what working with Elliot is like and how it is to live in New Hampshire. We want your family to be as comfortable as possible with moving to our area, and will provide the necessary support and information to make that transition as easy as possible.

Finding Your New Home

Finding a new house, a new school for your children, and familiarizing yourself and your family with a new area can be a daunting task. New Hampshire boasts a wealth of excellent towns and cities as well as being close to the mountains and ocean. EHS provides relocation assistance for qualified candidates. We can also help make introductions to local realtors to help you find the perfect home in which to begin your new career. Packing up and relocating can be quite a challenge on its own, and we have relationships with qualified professional movers and can help facilitate and easy transition.

Why You and Your Family Should Choose New Hampshire?

Once you have settled into your new home, your family will find plenty of things to do in and around New Hampshire. You’re close to the mountains and the beach, so your summer vacations can be filled with trips to experience both worlds. Winters in New England are filled with an abundance or outdoor activities from skiing, to snowshoeing to authentic sleigh rides and much, much more! There are plenty of museums and located in Manchester, the heart of Elliot Health System, such as the SEE Science Center and the Currier Museum of Art. With two major concert and sports venues in the area, there is always a chance to catch ball game or concert in the warmer months. Outside of town you are only an hour’s drive from Boston, which needs no introduction. Your family will find plenty to do in New Hampshire.

There is no need to worry about your family’s role in your career transition while you are in the care of Elliot Health System. We go above and beyond what’s expected to make everyone feel right at home every step of the way.

If you or your spouse want to find out more about the area they will be relocating to, consider checking out our free guide below. 

Physicians looking for a new career opportunity have options all over the country. Why not consider one of the most pristine and desirable locations? New England provides a unique experience where you can practice state-of-the-art medicine while enjoying some of the most beautiful and captivating country this nation has to offer. Providers in the New England area experience the joy of success in their chosen career path alongside amazing opportunities for their family to experience one of the oldest communities in the nation. When it comes to physician career satisfaction, New England is the place to be!

Joining A Family
Physicians in the New England area are lucky to work within a close-knit community of care providers who share responsibilities and mutual respect. All of the physicians, nurses and administrative staff work together to provide patients with the absolute highest quality in care, which means having a team of highly skilled and experienced professionals. 

The Environment
While being a physician is a very demanding career field, the benefits are immense. Weekend trips to nearby tourist attractions, endless opportunities for outdoor adventures and more are all available in the New England area. No matter what your favorite hobbies are, you will be sure to find something that fits the bill in New England. In general, the area boasts some of the greatest historical sites and attractions you could ever hope to see. Plus, natives of the area seem to love the mild summer weather and the winter sporting opportunities!

Economic Benefits
Over the last several years, New England has proven itself fairly resilient in terms of economic stature. The longtime tradition of building businesses from the ground up means that there are deep roots in the area. As a whole the area has outperformed other major economic centers for income and unemployment, providing a highly desirable home for you and your family to get settled and gain confidence in your future. 

Ultimately, anyone looking for a change of pace and a new outlook on their career should look into the New England area. The area boasts tons of culture, plenty of interesting things to do and a number of premier healthcare facilities where talented physicians will feel welcome and valued. If you began your career with a sincere interest in helping people, New England is a community that can use your services and provide you a great life in return. 

For more information about physician job opportunities in New England, consider the Elliot Health System network of providers and professional care facilities.

You’ve dedicated years of study and hard work to pursuing your dream of a career in medicine. Now that your residency is nearly complete, your goal is on the horizon. With a number of options open to you, doesn’t it make sense to give careful consideration to your final choice?

The ideal situation provides you with opportunities to enjoy well-rounded professional and personal lives. In the beginning job hunting for medical residents can seem daunting, so here are six reasons why Elliot Health System is the right choice.

1. Elliot is a Full-Service Healthcare System
Elliot Health System, which incorporates Elliot Hospital, is a valued community resource offering comprehensive medical and wellness care for all ages. The Elliot umbrella encompasses centers for trauma, cancer, maternity, surgery, senior health, sports medicine, pediatrics, and cardiovascular care, creating a need for physicians in all disciplines and specialties.

2. Big Enough to Matter, Small Enough to Care
As one of the busiest hospitals in New Hampshire, admitting an average of 12,000 patients each year, Elliot maintains top quality standards and keeps pace with the latest innovations in healthcare. Despite the high level of activity, our providers are valued as individuals who share a collegial bond with their peers and a mutually respectful relationship with administrators. We’re proud of our 98 percent physician retention rate and our 95 percent rating on career satisfaction.

3. Excellent Educational Opportunities
New Hampshire is home to nearly two dozen accredited colleges with undergraduate programs, and half of them offer graduate degrees as well. If you have a current or future family to consider, the state was ranked at #5 on USA Today‘s list of the country’s top school systems. There are also a number of quality religious and non-religious private schools in the area.

4. Fewer Taxes

You work hard for your money, so why not live in an area where you can retain more of it? New Hampshire has neither income nor sales tax.

• 401(K) and 403(B) plans with employer contributions
• Discounted prices at employee pharmacy and cafeteria
• Deferred compensation plan
• 20 days of vacation annually along with designated holidays
• Generous continuing medical education allowance
• On-site child care
• Use of the Welliot Health Center, Tae Kwon Do Center, and library
• Up to $8,000 in relocation expenses
• Discounted rates on services, products and attractions such as Sam’s Club, North Side Animal Hospital, Six Flags New England, and movie tickets.

5. Enjoy the Lifestyle of your Dreams
Are you happiest when you’re outdoors hiking, skiing or boating? Maybe you love the bright lights of the big city, with its wealth of culture, entertainment and nightlife. New Hampshire is a vibrant, scenic state that easily accommodates both personalities. Active types will appreciate the nearness of mountains, rivers and the ocean. In addition to the music and theater venues, fine dining and museums in state, you are only an hour away from Boston and its hub of activities.

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Would you like to learn more about the outdoor adventures you can partake in near Elliot Health System? If so, check out the resource below.