1st hospitalist interview, what to expect?

[mig26x]

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Hi, for those out there that have gone through the hospitalist interview trail I have my first interview/site visit for a hospitalist position that I really like. Im a 3rd year IM resident. I havent been involved in a "real" job interview in a while (does residency interview counts?). I already did a phone interview with the program since Im coming from another state and it was very pleasant.

What can I expect? Is it a day long interview? I know I have to be ready to talk about everything in my CV in detail just in case they ask.

I would like to hear about hospitalist interviews from you guys as I know every place is different.

thanks in advance!!!

 

[elwademd]

they should have already told you what to expect for the day(s)...

with that said, you're pretty much "on" the entire time. meeting someone for lunch, the actual interview, a dinner, etc. if they're related to the job, its essentially an interview.

make sure to ask questions as well. it may not be the right fit for you. alternatively, it may be.
you'll want to know if its straight salary, productivity, or a combination.
malpractice insurance.
expected patient load.
expected non clinical responsibilities (meet daily with case managers or medical directors for example).
patient type.
hours.

 

[DrSmiles]

I had several hospitalist interviews and some of them wanted to sell you their position, others made you go through a lengthy process to meet everyone involved. If you are applying for a large hospital that has its own group (which appears to be the way hospitals in my area are trying to operate) then you have a bit more of a "sell" on your part because it is more corporate and they want the "team player", yadda yadda yadda...
If you are applying for a private group that has privileges at the hospital it will more than likely be an easy, laid back interview. I suppose this would vary from your region, but in the southwest this was what I found.
More importantly, make sure you ask lots of questions regarding schedules, bonuses, open vs. closed ICU, patient volume, how many nights...
The money is great, but I am now totally disenchanted with this specialty and would rather work less hours for less money. There is a lot of burn-out, huge patient volumes, stressful long hours with your pager going off continuously.
When you first start out of residency you can expect to work 12-14 hours per day seeing up to 25 patients, some of them in the ICU. I recommend you try to negotiate how many shifts you work per month (16-18 max because some will try to get 20 out of you), and limit your patient volume if you can.
It is tough and one of my counterparts compare this experience to working all night at the VA as a resident with no interns and then quadruple this night to what a typical hospitalist day is like. I don't want to scare you off, but be prepared to work hard! The average hospitalist in my group makes about $250,000 so there is money to be made.
Also, if you are going with a smaller private group make sure you get a lawyer to look at the contract (I paid about $500). Totally worth it in the long run. Remember the contract is to benefit the employer, not the employee so there may be little things in the contract you might miss (especially when it comes to wanting to leave which happened to me).
And, most importantly, ask for a hiring bonus. They might not offer it, but almost every group will give you one if you ask.
Good luck!😎

 

[mig26x]

thank you to both of you!!

 

[MidwestMD]

Lots of great points made already. I would also add that you should find out if it's productivity based or straight salary. Is there a pt cap system or a plan n place for high census days (back-up physicians on call?). Is the administration responsive and receptive to feedback? In addition to sign on bonus, check to see if they offer student loan forgiveness (better tax deal for them). Everyone should offer relocation expenses, but find out how much (aim for ~$5000). And see how long most people have been around. If they have a high attrition rate, keep looking (ie- the most senior members have only been there for 2-3 yrs despite the group having been established 7 yrs ago). Good luck!