The 2008 outlook for physician jobs is expected to be very good – especially in the low-income and rural areas (source: US Department of Labor Bureau of Labor and Statistics). Interestingly, the training perquisites for physicians remain among the most formidable and demanding of any occupation. Subsequently, physician earnings remain among the highest of most occupations. In this brief, we examine some of the key elements of the physician job market, outlook, and projections.
Market - In 2006, Physician and Surgeon jobs total approximately 633,000. In 2006, more than 30% of full time physicians worked greater than 60 hours per week. Nearly half of salaried / wage physicians worked in offices; 18% worked for hospitals; 15% were self-employed. Based upon data extracted from the American Medical Association, Physician Characteristics and Distribution in the US, 2007, Primary Care comprises 40.4%, and Specialties comprise 59.6% of all physician jobs in the US. The AMA further states that New England and the Mid-Atlantic States have the highest physician to population ratio; the South Central and Mountain States have the lowest. The Medical Group Management Association, Physician Compensation and Production Report, 2005 lists the Median compensation for physicians over one year in specialty as: Anesthesiology $321,686, General Surgery $282,504, General OB/GYN $247,348, General Psychiatry $180,000, General Internal Medicine $166,420, General Pediatrics $161,331, Family Practice without OB $156,010.
Outlook & Projections – Substantial growth is expected in the physician job market. This growth is anticipated in all specialties, and is projected to be faster than average. Much of this is in part due to the increasingly extended life span of our aging population. Additionally, those areas with physician shortages (rural, low-income) will realize large increases in growth. This growth will however see market fluctuations dependent on the consumer – the patient. As demands for services based upon out of pocket costs change, so will the individual demands. This will continue to trend to utilize mid-level providers (Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners, CRNAs, etc.) to meet the patient demands for cost and convenience. Likewise, information technology will increase physician efficency in areas of electronic medical records, core measures, quality, physician order entry, portability of medical and laboratory data.
Despite working long, irregular hours, the physician job outlook remains very good. Physician training will remain among some of the most highly competitive occupations. Today’s Physicians will practice in a much different environment than their predecessors allowing for more back up and time off.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Sunday, April 6, 2008
Emergency Physicians Jobs in Today’s Healthcare Environment
It seems that there are so many emergency medicine job opportunities, yet so few long-term stable emergency physicians in jobs. Much of this has to do with the ever-changing practice environment and at times tenuous relationship with the hospital, consultant medical staff, and regulatory bodies. Resultantly, stability even for the seemingly most sought after emergency medicine jobs is never assured or guaranteed. In this article, the author explores common practice challenges for emergency physician jobs in today’s healthcare environment.
Today, emergency physicians find themselves working in a crisis environment. This is largely a result of our Nation’s emergency departments (EDs) are the only sector of the healthcare system where there is a federal statue mandating that care is provided to all patient regardless of their ability to pay. Imagine if you will, a law requiring all of those fast quick lube shops to take all motorists, regardless of their ability to pay! Between the years of 1994 and 2004, ED visits increased from 93.4 million to 110.2 million—an 18 percent increase. Meanwhile, there was a significant decline in the numbers of hospitals, hospital beds, and emergency departments. The resultant overcrowding long waits, coupled with an undersupply of ancillary support, makes for a crisis work environment.
Emergency physicians will also find that the rest of medical community inadvertently exacerbates the existing crisis. The perceived need for hospitals to funnel as many patients as possible through their EDs cripples many tenuous EDs both financially and medically. Primary care delivered in the ED is more costly than providing the same care in a physician's office, and primary medical care received through the ED is of poorer quality. Emergency Physicians have extensive training in medical and surgical emergency management and treatment, however, primary care is best reserved for Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Pediatrics. According to the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey , 47% of emergency department visits in 2004 were classified as either emergent (12.9 percent) or urgent (37.8 percent). The delivery of primary care in the ED for non-emergent patient care contributes to ED overcrowding, patient boarding, ambulance diversion, and delayed ambulance response times on a daily basis. Resultantly, this severely limits the system's ability to prepare for and respond to a catastrophic medical disaster, natural disaster, pandemic or terrorist attack.
Emergency physician are finding it increasingly difficult to obtain much needed on call assistance for patients needing hospitalization. This is largely because of uncompensated or undercompensated services provided by on call specialist, coupled with rising unresolved medical liability and regulation. Although once attractive for new graduates, most new physicians now prefer the security afforded by larger well-established groups to the financial vagaries and lifestyle restrictions of solo practice. In so doing, taking ED call becomes more of an unwanted burden than an opportunity.
The burden is worsened when other factors not previously mentioned are considered. For example, the ever-present medical malpractice threat looms over emergency medicine. Nowhere else in medicine can the actions of one specialist always be criticized by what is viewed by the lay public as a true specialist in anther specialty. Despite being the best person to manage for example an emergency airway, the ED physician will always be subject to the ‘definitive’ opinion from the true expert – the anesthesiologist; as well as the cardiologist, gastroenterologist, neurologist, etc. Likewise, the pressure of benchmark performance, throughput, volume and acuity of patients seen per hour, patient satisfaction, patient complaints and admission rates all weight into the equation. The emergency physician also must balance not only the patient as the ‘customer’ but the medical staff, hospital administration, and to some extent the nursing staff as well. Whereas in other aspects of medicine where the nurse works subordinate to the physician; often in the ED, due to supply and demand, nurses are having an increasingly louder voice in influencing the practice and judgment of physicians in the ED (which may in fact be a good thing for many department and physicians). Nonetheless, this too affects the emergency physician job.
In general, today’s emergency physician is faced with numerous challenges and stressors making for crisis in the workplace. This crisis directly affects the likelihood of emergency physicians finding lasting job stability, in a given practice location in most cities in the US. Federal support and intervention is needed to release the mounting pressure that currently worsening. The Institute of Medicine, American College of Emergency Physicians, and similar institutions are taking great strides in leading change - none of which can come all too soon.
Today, emergency physicians find themselves working in a crisis environment. This is largely a result of our Nation’s emergency departments (EDs) are the only sector of the healthcare system where there is a federal statue mandating that care is provided to all patient regardless of their ability to pay. Imagine if you will, a law requiring all of those fast quick lube shops to take all motorists, regardless of their ability to pay! Between the years of 1994 and 2004, ED visits increased from 93.4 million to 110.2 million—an 18 percent increase. Meanwhile, there was a significant decline in the numbers of hospitals, hospital beds, and emergency departments. The resultant overcrowding long waits, coupled with an undersupply of ancillary support, makes for a crisis work environment.
Emergency physicians will also find that the rest of medical community inadvertently exacerbates the existing crisis. The perceived need for hospitals to funnel as many patients as possible through their EDs cripples many tenuous EDs both financially and medically. Primary care delivered in the ED is more costly than providing the same care in a physician's office, and primary medical care received through the ED is of poorer quality. Emergency Physicians have extensive training in medical and surgical emergency management and treatment, however, primary care is best reserved for Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Pediatrics. According to the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey , 47% of emergency department visits in 2004 were classified as either emergent (12.9 percent) or urgent (37.8 percent). The delivery of primary care in the ED for non-emergent patient care contributes to ED overcrowding, patient boarding, ambulance diversion, and delayed ambulance response times on a daily basis. Resultantly, this severely limits the system's ability to prepare for and respond to a catastrophic medical disaster, natural disaster, pandemic or terrorist attack.
Emergency physician are finding it increasingly difficult to obtain much needed on call assistance for patients needing hospitalization. This is largely because of uncompensated or undercompensated services provided by on call specialist, coupled with rising unresolved medical liability and regulation. Although once attractive for new graduates, most new physicians now prefer the security afforded by larger well-established groups to the financial vagaries and lifestyle restrictions of solo practice. In so doing, taking ED call becomes more of an unwanted burden than an opportunity.
The burden is worsened when other factors not previously mentioned are considered. For example, the ever-present medical malpractice threat looms over emergency medicine. Nowhere else in medicine can the actions of one specialist always be criticized by what is viewed by the lay public as a true specialist in anther specialty. Despite being the best person to manage for example an emergency airway, the ED physician will always be subject to the ‘definitive’ opinion from the true expert – the anesthesiologist; as well as the cardiologist, gastroenterologist, neurologist, etc. Likewise, the pressure of benchmark performance, throughput, volume and acuity of patients seen per hour, patient satisfaction, patient complaints and admission rates all weight into the equation. The emergency physician also must balance not only the patient as the ‘customer’ but the medical staff, hospital administration, and to some extent the nursing staff as well. Whereas in other aspects of medicine where the nurse works subordinate to the physician; often in the ED, due to supply and demand, nurses are having an increasingly louder voice in influencing the practice and judgment of physicians in the ED (which may in fact be a good thing for many department and physicians). Nonetheless, this too affects the emergency physician job.
In general, today’s emergency physician is faced with numerous challenges and stressors making for crisis in the workplace. This crisis directly affects the likelihood of emergency physicians finding lasting job stability, in a given practice location in most cities in the US. Federal support and intervention is needed to release the mounting pressure that currently worsening. The Institute of Medicine, American College of Emergency Physicians, and similar institutions are taking great strides in leading change - none of which can come all too soon.
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Physician Job Opportunities Emailed Directly to You - a different way of job searching
Several recruiting firms and job boards are now offering a new way of advertising their physician job opportunities - email alerts. We look at one such job board and their email alert process.
Job seeking physicians can now receive email alert notifications of specific physician job opportunities from MyJobPulse.com™. This innovative program enables registered physicians to receive physician job alert notifications. The email alerts are physician, specialty, state, city, and any desired key word specific. As soon as an employer or recruiter posts a job matching the physician’s specific criteria, an email alert notification is immediately sent to the physician job seeker. This allows the physician to be one of the first candidates to review and apply for the specific job if desired. Good physician jobs are hard to find – really great job opportunities are filled fast. Email alert notification at MyJobPulse.com™ provides job seeking physicians with an added ‘early bird’ advantage. Registered physicians can also enter an unlimited number of email alert criteria, and this services is provided free of charge.
MyJobPulse.com™ currently posts over 1,400 new physician jobs. All jobs listed have been posted within the past 3 months. This is new email alert feature is particularly exciting for many job seeking physicians and surgeons because it takes the search and find factor out of job seeking. Now physicians can let the jobs come to them! Doctors do not want to waste time browsing outdated, filled, or old opportunities. Physicians and surgeons can now turn to MyJobPulse to search for and find current physician job opportunities from any specialty.
Currently, there is a tremendous amount of turnover in the physician and surgeon job market. MyJobPulse.com™ provides a resource for both physicians to search listed job opportunities, and employers to post physician openings. Physician email alert notification is an exciting and long awaited service dedicated solely to physicians and surgeons. Job seeking physicians should have a reliable, updated, and easy to use resource for physician job listings. MyJobPulse.com™ allows doctors to search our exclusive physician database, or receive email alerts regarding solely physician and surgeon job opportunities.
Job seeking physicians can now receive email alert notifications of specific physician job opportunities from MyJobPulse.com™. This innovative program enables registered physicians to receive physician job alert notifications. The email alerts are physician, specialty, state, city, and any desired key word specific. As soon as an employer or recruiter posts a job matching the physician’s specific criteria, an email alert notification is immediately sent to the physician job seeker. This allows the physician to be one of the first candidates to review and apply for the specific job if desired. Good physician jobs are hard to find – really great job opportunities are filled fast. Email alert notification at MyJobPulse.com™ provides job seeking physicians with an added ‘early bird’ advantage. Registered physicians can also enter an unlimited number of email alert criteria, and this services is provided free of charge.
MyJobPulse.com™ currently posts over 1,400 new physician jobs. All jobs listed have been posted within the past 3 months. This is new email alert feature is particularly exciting for many job seeking physicians and surgeons because it takes the search and find factor out of job seeking. Now physicians can let the jobs come to them! Doctors do not want to waste time browsing outdated, filled, or old opportunities. Physicians and surgeons can now turn to MyJobPulse to search for and find current physician job opportunities from any specialty.
Currently, there is a tremendous amount of turnover in the physician and surgeon job market. MyJobPulse.com™ provides a resource for both physicians to search listed job opportunities, and employers to post physician openings. Physician email alert notification is an exciting and long awaited service dedicated solely to physicians and surgeons. Job seeking physicians should have a reliable, updated, and easy to use resource for physician job listings. MyJobPulse.com™ allows doctors to search our exclusive physician database, or receive email alerts regarding solely physician and surgeon job opportunities.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
The Physician Job Interview - Essential Tips for Success
Interviewing for physician jobs can be stressful, as your entire candidacy for what may in fact be the ideal job is on the line. Knowing that a good or bad interview can directly affect the job outcome, physicians often worry, and stress out about the interview – and understandably so! In my years as a practicing physician, as well as an administrator, I have gathered a few tips that I have found successful for me and those who either I have interviewed or know of as successful physicians in ideal jobs. Here are a few of my Tips for success:
1. I don’t know! – yes, for those perfectionists I am going to say it again – I don’t know! Seriously, physicians have much trouble with these words. However, the successful physician job seeker knows the value in being prepared to say them. It’s okay, though – really! In fact, comfortableness with these words will foster more strength and self-confidence. Additionally, self-confidence will not only allow you to rest easily before the interview, it will radiate from you during the interview, and significantly enhance your visit. As an example, for those medicine and surgery folks that have ever put in a subclavian central line, the saying is “the only doctor who has not dropped a lung (caused a pneumothorax) is the one who has not done enough subclavians!” In placing a subclavian central line, there is the chance of creating a pneumo. Knowing and understanding this, and going over what you know about the procedure all help mitigate your anxiety preemptively. This is important when coping in the unfortunate event of actually creating an iatrogenic pneumothorax. Moreover, know that a pneumothorax can and will happen at some point even for the best, will instill confidence before, during, and after the procedure. This will allow you to better prepare and focus on cannulating that vein successfully, rather than anxiously, and cautiously worrying about a complication that is statistically inevitable.
The interview is the same. Know that you are going to get a question that may stump you, or cause you to stumble. Interviewers often have their one favorite tough question meant to stump you to see your response. Most physician interviewers though, greatly appreciate a physician candidate’s honesty in an answer . . . the doctor that says “wow, that’s a good question . . . I don’t know” and then who later follows with “I would probably, etc…” This is a very good response to a tough question. The honest disclaimer is thrown out there and somewhat protects you from whatever answer you then provide. Much like the defensive flag thrown in football after the snap - it is basically a free pass and free down for the offense. This type of upfront openness and honesty will serve you well during the interview. Alternatively, if you force, fake, lie, or develop erratic behavior upon receipt of a tough question, it is likely that your actions will compromise your perceived integrity, and damage your chance of getting the job. Again, be comfortable and confident in what you know; likewise, it is okay to admit that you do not know – it is actually preferred. Let this sink in, believe and understand it. This will drastically reduce your anxiety, enable you to perform better during the interview, and allow you to present yourself as an intelligent, knowing, and honest physician candidate!
2. Presentation - judgment is quickly passed, and the dinner just about ruined when the thanksgiving turkey that is un shaven, smells, has the garnishments mismatched and thrown everywhere, that is rushed to the table late, and sizzling as if it just came out of the oven, while the cook is tucking in the foil! Well, neither do physician interviewers. Unlike responding to ER call let’s say at 3:30 am, it is not okay to show up at an interview disheveled. It is imperative that the interviewee is clean, punctual, and sharp. If you have to drive hours to arrive at your interview, bring a change of clothes just to be fresh. Try to avoid the jacket with countless wrinkles, etc., unless you are prepared to wear a sign on your back asking everyone to excuse you, because you had to drive 2 hours! Now there is no need to by the Armani suit with gold cufflinks. Any suit is fine it’s just that it has to be conservative, professional, clean, and pressed. Avoid having interviews on vacation with family where you are just passing through, and decided to check out an opportunity. Unless you have your interview suit, I would wait until you can return. First impressions matter, much like the thanksgiving turkey! And oh by the way, just as there is no room for excessive garlic, clove, or cumin on the turkey, it goes without saying, excessive perfumes and colognes are unacceptable, unless you know exactly what cologne or perfume your interviewer likes. In that case, spray away! If not, do not risk completely distracting or turning an interviewer off because of your strong, offensive, perfume! On the other hand, breath mints can save embarrassing post-prandial halitosis. They can even give you a lift during a long boring interview. Carry a few in your pocket.
3. Enthusiastic Engagement – you will never know the number of non-doctor personnel that hold great influence on your successful candidacy for a position. For example, the secretary and administrative assistant to the Program Chairman of 30 years; or the Directors housekeeper nicknamed “Ma”; or the security officer at the parking lot who son had the . . . etc., etc. Bottom line here is treat everyone with enthusiasm, excitement, and engagement. Look everyone in the eye, warmly shake their hand, and don’t rush to look away or else risk appearing superficial or dismissive. Talk with them, ask questions to get them to talk about their hospital, or practice which they love.
As for the interviewer, show interest. Be observant to the pictures in the office, awards, objects, and ask questions. Likewise, while walking through the practice setting, do the same. You should have also done the necessary online research to learn about the interviewer and group. You must ask the appropriate questions for these will cause the interviewer to proudly talk about their accomplishments, achievements, or special interests - and everyone loves to themselves in a show and tell manner . . . even interviewers!. In doing so, you will be liked because you will appear to have similar interests, or at least an appreciation and awareness of the interviewers most proud and enjoyable memories - and you will be remembered.
Posture and positioning are both essential, and worth mention here. It is a delicate balance between respect and rigidness. Finesse must be both practiced and exercised here in order to do this properly. As an example, imagine the military officer on base. There is a time to be rigid, formal, and upright, and yet there is time and place to be at ease. On the interview, walk briskly, assertively, firm handshakes, sit upright (and not laid back legs spread) until you know it is time to do otherwise. If you are being ‘cross examined’ and the interviewer is walking or pacing around the room so to speak, remain upright. If the interview is in the medical staff lounge, and the interviewer takes off his lab coat, leans back on a sofa, it’s time for you to do the same. All the while, maintain your enthusiastic engagement, and you will succeed.
4. Mind Your Manners – this tends to tie in with the aforementioned sections, but it deserves separate mention because so many of us doctors feel that we are above reproach. Yes we are good, yes we are the best in what we do, yes we save lives, but also, yes we all have mothers who will slap our hands and wash our mouths our with soap for misbehaving! So mind your manners on the interview – even if you don’t in your daily life! Ladies first, opening doors and waiting for the trailing person to pass, not interrupting someone else talking are key. This may seem basic, but trust me, over the years, you would not believe the number of physician candidates I have encountered who didn’t understand this. One does not have to be ridiculously excessive, but appropriate is ideal. Although I was never in the military, I must mention it here again. Think of the soldier in uniform . . . everyone just loves their demeanor, manners, courtesy and appropriateness. On your interview, behave like that soldier. Everyone will like you just the same as the solider. Moreover, this too will aid in attaining the best physician job.
5. Stories and Anecdotes – are often entertaining, and allow you to leave lasting impressions. When answering a question about you, your reasons for moving to this city, or joining the practice – tell a story. Importantly of course, is that you must directly answer the question. However, adding a descriptive, brief story allows for your creative, engaging, jovial, side to appear. Note that you should only do this only a few times during the interview. An excessive amount of storytelling or anecdotes will distract from the interview. You don’t want to have more stories to tell than the interviewer!
The other benefit to stories and anecdotes for the savvy and wise physician interviewee, it allows you to smoothly transition onto an attribute that you are waiting and hoping to discuss. For example, if you have applying for an infectious disease position, and as a child spent years in South America with your family in the military – when asked “what are your strong attributes?” consider this reply: My strong attributes in my work ethic arise from my father’s military background. For many years we lived in various countries during my childhood, in South America, Latin America, etc.” This should then trigger the next question from the infectious disease chairman to be one that excitedly and curiously delves into the infectious disease experiences in South America. Smoothness, and timing are key, so be on the lookout for the right time.
6. The Minor Details – cumulatively are worthy of their own section. These are important aspects of preparation and execution that help make your interview complete:
a. Bring extra, clean and unblemished copies of your CV or resume
b. NEVER bring up salary or remuneration unless directly asked of you.
c. Do not arrive on time to the interview –ARRIVE EARYL!
d. Obtain business cards at the end – useful for thank you cards later
e. Eat light when dining with interviewer, and avoid alcohol
f. Express gratitude and thanks for the interview
1. I don’t know! – yes, for those perfectionists I am going to say it again – I don’t know! Seriously, physicians have much trouble with these words. However, the successful physician job seeker knows the value in being prepared to say them. It’s okay, though – really! In fact, comfortableness with these words will foster more strength and self-confidence. Additionally, self-confidence will not only allow you to rest easily before the interview, it will radiate from you during the interview, and significantly enhance your visit. As an example, for those medicine and surgery folks that have ever put in a subclavian central line, the saying is “the only doctor who has not dropped a lung (caused a pneumothorax) is the one who has not done enough subclavians!” In placing a subclavian central line, there is the chance of creating a pneumo. Knowing and understanding this, and going over what you know about the procedure all help mitigate your anxiety preemptively. This is important when coping in the unfortunate event of actually creating an iatrogenic pneumothorax. Moreover, know that a pneumothorax can and will happen at some point even for the best, will instill confidence before, during, and after the procedure. This will allow you to better prepare and focus on cannulating that vein successfully, rather than anxiously, and cautiously worrying about a complication that is statistically inevitable.
The interview is the same. Know that you are going to get a question that may stump you, or cause you to stumble. Interviewers often have their one favorite tough question meant to stump you to see your response. Most physician interviewers though, greatly appreciate a physician candidate’s honesty in an answer . . . the doctor that says “wow, that’s a good question . . . I don’t know” and then who later follows with “I would probably, etc…” This is a very good response to a tough question. The honest disclaimer is thrown out there and somewhat protects you from whatever answer you then provide. Much like the defensive flag thrown in football after the snap - it is basically a free pass and free down for the offense. This type of upfront openness and honesty will serve you well during the interview. Alternatively, if you force, fake, lie, or develop erratic behavior upon receipt of a tough question, it is likely that your actions will compromise your perceived integrity, and damage your chance of getting the job. Again, be comfortable and confident in what you know; likewise, it is okay to admit that you do not know – it is actually preferred. Let this sink in, believe and understand it. This will drastically reduce your anxiety, enable you to perform better during the interview, and allow you to present yourself as an intelligent, knowing, and honest physician candidate!
2. Presentation - judgment is quickly passed, and the dinner just about ruined when the thanksgiving turkey that is un shaven, smells, has the garnishments mismatched and thrown everywhere, that is rushed to the table late, and sizzling as if it just came out of the oven, while the cook is tucking in the foil! Well, neither do physician interviewers. Unlike responding to ER call let’s say at 3:30 am, it is not okay to show up at an interview disheveled. It is imperative that the interviewee is clean, punctual, and sharp. If you have to drive hours to arrive at your interview, bring a change of clothes just to be fresh. Try to avoid the jacket with countless wrinkles, etc., unless you are prepared to wear a sign on your back asking everyone to excuse you, because you had to drive 2 hours! Now there is no need to by the Armani suit with gold cufflinks. Any suit is fine it’s just that it has to be conservative, professional, clean, and pressed. Avoid having interviews on vacation with family where you are just passing through, and decided to check out an opportunity. Unless you have your interview suit, I would wait until you can return. First impressions matter, much like the thanksgiving turkey! And oh by the way, just as there is no room for excessive garlic, clove, or cumin on the turkey, it goes without saying, excessive perfumes and colognes are unacceptable, unless you know exactly what cologne or perfume your interviewer likes. In that case, spray away! If not, do not risk completely distracting or turning an interviewer off because of your strong, offensive, perfume! On the other hand, breath mints can save embarrassing post-prandial halitosis. They can even give you a lift during a long boring interview. Carry a few in your pocket.
3. Enthusiastic Engagement – you will never know the number of non-doctor personnel that hold great influence on your successful candidacy for a position. For example, the secretary and administrative assistant to the Program Chairman of 30 years; or the Directors housekeeper nicknamed “Ma”; or the security officer at the parking lot who son had the . . . etc., etc. Bottom line here is treat everyone with enthusiasm, excitement, and engagement. Look everyone in the eye, warmly shake their hand, and don’t rush to look away or else risk appearing superficial or dismissive. Talk with them, ask questions to get them to talk about their hospital, or practice which they love.
As for the interviewer, show interest. Be observant to the pictures in the office, awards, objects, and ask questions. Likewise, while walking through the practice setting, do the same. You should have also done the necessary online research to learn about the interviewer and group. You must ask the appropriate questions for these will cause the interviewer to proudly talk about their accomplishments, achievements, or special interests - and everyone loves to themselves in a show and tell manner . . . even interviewers!. In doing so, you will be liked because you will appear to have similar interests, or at least an appreciation and awareness of the interviewers most proud and enjoyable memories - and you will be remembered.
Posture and positioning are both essential, and worth mention here. It is a delicate balance between respect and rigidness. Finesse must be both practiced and exercised here in order to do this properly. As an example, imagine the military officer on base. There is a time to be rigid, formal, and upright, and yet there is time and place to be at ease. On the interview, walk briskly, assertively, firm handshakes, sit upright (and not laid back legs spread) until you know it is time to do otherwise. If you are being ‘cross examined’ and the interviewer is walking or pacing around the room so to speak, remain upright. If the interview is in the medical staff lounge, and the interviewer takes off his lab coat, leans back on a sofa, it’s time for you to do the same. All the while, maintain your enthusiastic engagement, and you will succeed.
4. Mind Your Manners – this tends to tie in with the aforementioned sections, but it deserves separate mention because so many of us doctors feel that we are above reproach. Yes we are good, yes we are the best in what we do, yes we save lives, but also, yes we all have mothers who will slap our hands and wash our mouths our with soap for misbehaving! So mind your manners on the interview – even if you don’t in your daily life! Ladies first, opening doors and waiting for the trailing person to pass, not interrupting someone else talking are key. This may seem basic, but trust me, over the years, you would not believe the number of physician candidates I have encountered who didn’t understand this. One does not have to be ridiculously excessive, but appropriate is ideal. Although I was never in the military, I must mention it here again. Think of the soldier in uniform . . . everyone just loves their demeanor, manners, courtesy and appropriateness. On your interview, behave like that soldier. Everyone will like you just the same as the solider. Moreover, this too will aid in attaining the best physician job.
5. Stories and Anecdotes – are often entertaining, and allow you to leave lasting impressions. When answering a question about you, your reasons for moving to this city, or joining the practice – tell a story. Importantly of course, is that you must directly answer the question. However, adding a descriptive, brief story allows for your creative, engaging, jovial, side to appear. Note that you should only do this only a few times during the interview. An excessive amount of storytelling or anecdotes will distract from the interview. You don’t want to have more stories to tell than the interviewer!
The other benefit to stories and anecdotes for the savvy and wise physician interviewee, it allows you to smoothly transition onto an attribute that you are waiting and hoping to discuss. For example, if you have applying for an infectious disease position, and as a child spent years in South America with your family in the military – when asked “what are your strong attributes?” consider this reply: My strong attributes in my work ethic arise from my father’s military background. For many years we lived in various countries during my childhood, in South America, Latin America, etc.” This should then trigger the next question from the infectious disease chairman to be one that excitedly and curiously delves into the infectious disease experiences in South America. Smoothness, and timing are key, so be on the lookout for the right time.
6. The Minor Details – cumulatively are worthy of their own section. These are important aspects of preparation and execution that help make your interview complete:
a. Bring extra, clean and unblemished copies of your CV or resume
b. NEVER bring up salary or remuneration unless directly asked of you.
c. Do not arrive on time to the interview –ARRIVE EARYL!
d. Obtain business cards at the end – useful for thank you cards later
e. Eat light when dining with interviewer, and avoid alcohol
f. Express gratitude and thanks for the interview
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Resume Writing for the Best Physician Jobs
Appearance: First impressions matter – even when it comes to physician resumes. Therefore, the resume should be perfect in appearance. The design, font, and text weight should flow and be easy on the eyes. Carefully consider the alignment, symmetry, and the use of bullets, bold characters etc. Do not attempt to put so much into your resume that you have to make the font size so small it becomes difficult to read. The physician resume should look welcoming, and not visually offensive. Try to contain the physician’s resume to one page as most recruiters, employers, chairmen, department heads, or senior partners don’t have the time to look much beyond the first page. All of these factors directly affect the appearance and readability of your resume, as first impressions matter, and may separate you from another equally qualified candidate competing for the same physician job.
Structure: Several key components are necessary in the competitive physician resume. Be sure to include 1) experience – detailing your work history; 2) appointed or elected positions – if applicable; 3) skills / interests – to showcase your special talents or aspirations that make you unique; 4) education – undergraduate to fellowship; license & certification – board certification, fellow status, etc.; and lastly 5) awards & distinction – as needed. These 5 categories are essential to the successful resume. Mention of research, society memberships, volunteer work, lectures, CME, professional references, are not necessary on the resume (unless needed to tailor the resume for the particular job opportunity), but can be used to add structure if needed to the aforementioned key components.
Content: Once the structure is defined, the corresponding content needs to be carefully and chronologically placed into your resume. It’s important to recognize that every single detail of your professional career does not have to be placed into the resume. In fact, the content should be tailored to meet the individualized opportunity. For example, if you are applying for a concierge medicine job versus a prison health, cruise ship medicine, team physician, or assistant surgical professor position, the résumé should be appropriately tailored. You want to convince the employer that your are the most logical and smooth transition candidate to fill that job. The reader should not be left with the unanswered question of “why does he / she want this job?”
Grammar: Use action verbs and command language in your physician job resume. Words such as ‘accomplished’, ‘attained’, ‘achieved’, ‘performed’, are good competitive words. Avoid passive descriptors such as ‘responsible’ and ‘practiced’. And under no circumstance should there be any typographical errors, misspellings, in a professional resume whatsoever. One embarrassing typo can cause question and doubt into the entire resume and candidate – no matter how accomplished or impressive. It raises concern about preparedness, attention to detail, and commitment of the physician job seeker. Consider the candidate that applies for microvascular hand surgery opportunity . . . whose resume has a spelling typo – not good. Given today’s grammar and spellchecking software in everything from emails to word documents, don’t loose your competitive edge by being lackadaisical with grammar or spelling.
Structure: Several key components are necessary in the competitive physician resume. Be sure to include 1) experience – detailing your work history; 2) appointed or elected positions – if applicable; 3) skills / interests – to showcase your special talents or aspirations that make you unique; 4) education – undergraduate to fellowship; license & certification – board certification, fellow status, etc.; and lastly 5) awards & distinction – as needed. These 5 categories are essential to the successful resume. Mention of research, society memberships, volunteer work, lectures, CME, professional references, are not necessary on the resume (unless needed to tailor the resume for the particular job opportunity), but can be used to add structure if needed to the aforementioned key components.
Content: Once the structure is defined, the corresponding content needs to be carefully and chronologically placed into your resume. It’s important to recognize that every single detail of your professional career does not have to be placed into the resume. In fact, the content should be tailored to meet the individualized opportunity. For example, if you are applying for a concierge medicine job versus a prison health, cruise ship medicine, team physician, or assistant surgical professor position, the résumé should be appropriately tailored. You want to convince the employer that your are the most logical and smooth transition candidate to fill that job. The reader should not be left with the unanswered question of “why does he / she want this job?”
Grammar: Use action verbs and command language in your physician job resume. Words such as ‘accomplished’, ‘attained’, ‘achieved’, ‘performed’, are good competitive words. Avoid passive descriptors such as ‘responsible’ and ‘practiced’. And under no circumstance should there be any typographical errors, misspellings, in a professional resume whatsoever. One embarrassing typo can cause question and doubt into the entire resume and candidate – no matter how accomplished or impressive. It raises concern about preparedness, attention to detail, and commitment of the physician job seeker. Consider the candidate that applies for microvascular hand surgery opportunity . . . whose resume has a spelling typo – not good. Given today’s grammar and spellchecking software in everything from emails to word documents, don’t loose your competitive edge by being lackadaisical with grammar or spelling.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Physician Jobs Find Job Seeking Physicians
Job seeking physicians can now receive email alert notifications of specific physician job opportunities from MyJobPulse.com. This innovative program enables registered physicians to receive physician job alert notifications. The email alerts are physician, specialty, state, city, and any desired key word specific. As soon as an employer or recruiter posts a job matching the physician’s specific criteria, an email alert notification is immediately sent to the physician job seeker. This allows the physician to be one of the first candidates to review and apply for the specific job if desired. Good physician jobs are hard to find – really great job opportunities are filled fast. Email alert notification at MyJobPulse.com provides job seeking physicians with an added ‘early bird’ advantage. Registered physicians can also enter an unlimited number of email alert criteria, and this services is provided free of charge.
MyJobPulse.com currently posts over 1,200 new physician jobs. All jobs listed have been posted within the past 2 months. This is new email alert feature is particularly exciting for many job seeking physicians and surgeons because it takes the search and find factor out of job seeking. Now physicians can let the jobs come to them! Doctors do not want to waste time browsing outdated, filled, or old opportunities. Physicians and surgeons can now turn to MyJobPulse to search for and find current physician job opportunities from any specialty.
Currently, there is a tremendous amount of turnover in the physician and surgeon job market. MyJobPulse.com provides a resource for both physicians to search listed job opportunities, and employers to post physician openings. Physician email alert notification is an exciting and long awaited service dedicated solely to physicians and surgeons. Job seeking physicians should have a reliable, updated, and easy to use resource for physician job listings. MyJobPulse.com allows doctors to search our exclusive physician database, or receive email alerts regarding solely physician and surgeon job opportunities.
About MDJobPulse.com
MyJobPulse, LLC is an on-line resource where job seeking physicians can locate physician jobs posted by employers. Our mission is to provide reliable and updated physician job opportunities in an easy to use format. We aim to alleviate much of the guess work behind physician job searching, by offering our services in the MyJobPulse physician resource and career center. For more information, visit us at http://www.myjobpulse.com/.
MyJobPulse.com currently posts over 1,200 new physician jobs. All jobs listed have been posted within the past 2 months. This is new email alert feature is particularly exciting for many job seeking physicians and surgeons because it takes the search and find factor out of job seeking. Now physicians can let the jobs come to them! Doctors do not want to waste time browsing outdated, filled, or old opportunities. Physicians and surgeons can now turn to MyJobPulse to search for and find current physician job opportunities from any specialty.
Currently, there is a tremendous amount of turnover in the physician and surgeon job market. MyJobPulse.com provides a resource for both physicians to search listed job opportunities, and employers to post physician openings. Physician email alert notification is an exciting and long awaited service dedicated solely to physicians and surgeons. Job seeking physicians should have a reliable, updated, and easy to use resource for physician job listings. MyJobPulse.com allows doctors to search our exclusive physician database, or receive email alerts regarding solely physician and surgeon job opportunities.
About MDJobPulse.com
MyJobPulse, LLC is an on-line resource where job seeking physicians can locate physician jobs posted by employers. Our mission is to provide reliable and updated physician job opportunities in an easy to use format. We aim to alleviate much of the guess work behind physician job searching, by offering our services in the MyJobPulse physician resource and career center. For more information, visit us at http://www.myjobpulse.com/.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Over 1,000 New Physician Job Openings Released
New on-line resource offers posts over 1,000 brand new physician job openings. MyJobPulse.com, a new physician only job portal, posts more than one thousand new job opportunities. All physician and surgeon jobs are less than 6 weeks old.
Fort Lauderdale/Florida, USA (MyJobPulse.com) February 22, 2008 – New on-line resource offers posts over 1,000 brand new physician job openings. MyJobPulse.com, a new physician only job portal, posts more than one thousand new job opportunities. All jobs listed have been posted within the past 6 weeks. This is particularly exciting for many job seeking physicians and surgeons because similar physician job portals have old and outdated jobs serving as filler. Doctors do not want to waste time browsing outdated, filled, or old opportunities. Physicians and surgeons can now turn to MyJobPulse to search for and find current physician job opportunities from any specialty. This new website went live last month, and physician job openings can be searched free of charge.
Currently, there is a tremendous amount of turnover in the physician and surgeon job market. MyJobPulse.com provides a resource for both physicians to search listed job opportunities, and employers to post physician openings. This is an exciting and long awaited service dedicated solely to physicians and surgeons. Job seeking physicians should have a reliable, updated, and easy to use resource for physician job listings. MyJobPulse.com allows doctors to search our exclusive physician database containing solely physician and surgeon job opportunities.
About MDJobPulse.com
MyJobPulse, LLC is an on-line resource where job seeking physicians can locate physician jobs posted by employers. Our mission is to provide reliable and updated physician job opportunities in an easy to use format. We aim to alleviate much of the guess work behind physician job searching, by offering our services in the MyJobPulse physician resource and career center. For more information, visit us at http://www.myjobpulse.com/.
Contact:
Ms. Melody Lowe
Vice President of Marketing & Sales
MyJobPulse, LLC
website: http://www.myjobpulse.com/
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Find Physician Jobs in 74 Different Specialties
MyJobPulse.com has significantly expanded the number of physician medical specialties containing physicain job advertisements and opportunities. Additionally, the site now holds more than 700 current physician job opportunities. During MyJobPulse's first 5 weeks, there has been a tremendous amount of activity, visitor traffic, and postings. Find physician jobs at MyJobPulse.com
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Where to look for a good physician job?
Over the years, I have learned many pearls if you will, about ways to find a good physician job. There are many approaches and methods. Your particular approach is largely due to the urgency at which you need to find a job, and, your comfort threshold for exposing the fact you are looking for a new job. Here are my thoughts on various approaches:
Recruiters – are frequently lumped in the same category as a car salesman! However, a good, reliable, and ‘physician advocate’ recruiter is absolutely invaluable. Be patient though – communicate clearly to the recruiter what you are looking for in a practice. The good thing about recruiters is they don’t cost the physician anything. If a recruiter begins to sell you on things that you are not interested in, it’s time to look for another recruiter.
Meetings – Local and State chapter meetings can be another good source for information regarding practice opportunities. Networking with colleagues typically produces discussions of group gossip. Without disclosing that you are looking, you can often hear and learn much about prospective places to inquire.
CME conferences – and workshops are an excellent place to obtain physician practice opportunity leads. However, you must be careful to attend the right conference. A small 1.0 unit, 1 hour, drug rep sponsored conference will generate fewer leads than a 2 day new procedure course at a Disney resort. Large 3+ day conferences hosted by your specialty's college, often have exhibitor booths that are loaded with recuriters, practice representatives, and physician jobs. Make sure you visit these.
On-line job boards – are an excellent source for physician jobs. Only catch is, make sure you use a reliable and frequently updated one. Many job boards advertise for more than just physicians and doctors. Others have very outdated ads. Make sure you find one that stays current, and updated, otherwise you will waste your time.
Journals – and throw-a ways I find very interesting. I actually like them to help me gauge the market, and help me keep up with salaries for a particular region. You can typically tell when a practice is struggling, by looking closely at the package details.
Internet – searches for physician job opportunities is a growing source of leads. You may get lucky, but right now, it’s still not a reliably consistent solution. By the time a particular internet ad makes it to the 500th position on Google, the job would have been filled by other means. (It sometimes takes at least 3 months for Google to recognize a new ad, and even longer to work its way up from the 100th page toward the top 2.
Colleagues – are an excellent source for job leads, and typically my first pick. However, the confidentiality of your clandestine or subtle inquire may be breached. As physicians, we tend to know a lot of other physicians, and there is always someone who knows something about a job opportunity. So practice your approach so as not to disclose that it is YOU who is actually looking for the job.
Medical Staff Lounge – much like your colleagues, the hospital or group practice medical staff lounge can be a fruitful place for physician job leads. This location however, is usually for more of the local job opportunities. You have to be even more stealth in your inquiry here, for rumors will spread rapidly.
Recruiters – are frequently lumped in the same category as a car salesman! However, a good, reliable, and ‘physician advocate’ recruiter is absolutely invaluable. Be patient though – communicate clearly to the recruiter what you are looking for in a practice. The good thing about recruiters is they don’t cost the physician anything. If a recruiter begins to sell you on things that you are not interested in, it’s time to look for another recruiter.
Meetings – Local and State chapter meetings can be another good source for information regarding practice opportunities. Networking with colleagues typically produces discussions of group gossip. Without disclosing that you are looking, you can often hear and learn much about prospective places to inquire.
CME conferences – and workshops are an excellent place to obtain physician practice opportunity leads. However, you must be careful to attend the right conference. A small 1.0 unit, 1 hour, drug rep sponsored conference will generate fewer leads than a 2 day new procedure course at a Disney resort. Large 3+ day conferences hosted by your specialty's college, often have exhibitor booths that are loaded with recuriters, practice representatives, and physician jobs. Make sure you visit these.
On-line job boards – are an excellent source for physician jobs. Only catch is, make sure you use a reliable and frequently updated one. Many job boards advertise for more than just physicians and doctors. Others have very outdated ads. Make sure you find one that stays current, and updated, otherwise you will waste your time.
Journals – and throw-a ways I find very interesting. I actually like them to help me gauge the market, and help me keep up with salaries for a particular region. You can typically tell when a practice is struggling, by looking closely at the package details.
Internet – searches for physician job opportunities is a growing source of leads. You may get lucky, but right now, it’s still not a reliably consistent solution. By the time a particular internet ad makes it to the 500th position on Google, the job would have been filled by other means. (It sometimes takes at least 3 months for Google to recognize a new ad, and even longer to work its way up from the 100th page toward the top 2.
Colleagues – are an excellent source for job leads, and typically my first pick. However, the confidentiality of your clandestine or subtle inquire may be breached. As physicians, we tend to know a lot of other physicians, and there is always someone who knows something about a job opportunity. So practice your approach so as not to disclose that it is YOU who is actually looking for the job.
Medical Staff Lounge – much like your colleagues, the hospital or group practice medical staff lounge can be a fruitful place for physician job leads. This location however, is usually for more of the local job opportunities. You have to be even more stealth in your inquiry here, for rumors will spread rapidly.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Physicians - Post Your Resume On-Line
Physician users of MyJobPulse.com can now post their resumes on line. This new feature allows for Hospitals, Senior Partners, and Recruiters to see your credentials and qualifications. A well written resume will effectively market the job seeking physician. This marketability will generate significant interest in the candidate, and ultimately increasing the chance for an excellent physician job opportunity.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Many New Physician Jobs & Physician Job Opportunities
MyJobPulse.com announces today a record setting number of physician job postings during the company’s first month debut! During the first 30 days, 41 employers and recruiters posted 350+ physician jobs amongst 26 specialties in 38 states! Go to MyJobPulse.com to see the many physician and surgeon job opportunities!
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Post Unlimited Physician Job Ads - FREE!
Fort Lauderdale/Florida, USA (MyJobPulse.com) January 31, 2008 – New on-line resource offers free physician job advertising. Physician groups, hospitals, and recruiters can post an unlimited number of physician job ads free of charge during this limited introductory period. Physicians and surgeons can now turn to MyJobPulse to search for and find physician job opportunities from any specialty. This new website went live this month, and physician job openings can be searched free of charge.
Currently, there is a tremendous amount of turnover in the physician and surgeon job market. MyJobPulse.com provides a resource for both physicians to search listed job opportunities, and employers to post physician openings. This is an exciting and long awaited service dedicated solely to physicians and surgeons. Job seeking physicians should have a reliable, updated, and easy to use resource for physician job listings. MyJobPulse.com allows doctors to search our exclusive physician database containing solely physician and surgeon job opportunities.
About MyJobPulse.com
MyJobPulse, LLC is an on-line resource where job seeking physicians can locate physician jobs posted by employers. Our mission is to provide reliable and updated physician job opportunities in an easy to use format. We aim to alleviate much of the guess work behind physician job searching, by offering our services in the MyJobPulse physician resource and career center. For more information, visit us at http://www.myjobpulse.com/.
Phone number: (877) 355-5577
Contact:
Melody Lowe, Advertising and Marketing Director
office@myjobpulse.com
(877) 355-5577
MyJobPulse.com
Currently, there is a tremendous amount of turnover in the physician and surgeon job market. MyJobPulse.com provides a resource for both physicians to search listed job opportunities, and employers to post physician openings. This is an exciting and long awaited service dedicated solely to physicians and surgeons. Job seeking physicians should have a reliable, updated, and easy to use resource for physician job listings. MyJobPulse.com allows doctors to search our exclusive physician database containing solely physician and surgeon job opportunities.
About MyJobPulse.com
MyJobPulse, LLC is an on-line resource where job seeking physicians can locate physician jobs posted by employers. Our mission is to provide reliable and updated physician job opportunities in an easy to use format. We aim to alleviate much of the guess work behind physician job searching, by offering our services in the MyJobPulse physician resource and career center. For more information, visit us at http://www.myjobpulse.com/.
Phone number: (877) 355-5577
Contact:
Melody Lowe, Advertising and Marketing Director
office@myjobpulse.com
(877) 355-5577
MyJobPulse.com
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Physician Job Opportunities at MyJobPulse.com
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Tuesday, January 29, 2008
What is MyJobPulse?
MyJobPulse, LLC is an on-line resource where job seeking physicians can locate physician jobs posted by employers. Our mission is to provide reliable and updated physician job opportunities in an easy to use format. We aim to alleviate much of the guess work behind physician job searching, by offering our services in the MyJobPulse physician resource and career center. Job seeking physicians should have a reliable, updated, and easy to use resource for physician job listings. MyJobPulse.com allows doctors to search our exclusive physician database containing solely physician and surgeon job opportunities.
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