a practical question

[greenbean]

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hi all,
i am currently doing an ophtho rotation and i find that i like it alot. but i have a question in regards to where ophtho's work: after ophthos' finish residency and fellowship where do they work? do/can they work just in a hospital, or only in private practice?


im asking this because i see alot of attendings are in solo practice, which is afterall a business. i don't have an mba or background in business so im wondering if this puts me at a disadvantage?

i appreciate any advice/suggestions, thanks 🙂

 

[cdql]

You might be at a slight disadvantage but I don't know of too many doctors who just finish residency and can afford to immediately open up their own practice.

Most likely, you will probably have to work at a hospital or with a group of ophthalmologists.

If the latter is the case, that would be a perfect opportunity to view how these doctors run the business. You can emulate their strengths and try to avoid their weaknesses!

It's not the same as having an MBA but it'll give you some idea of what you want when opening your own practice. And at the end of day, your practice is still medicine. The most important thing is to take care of your patients and if you do a good job at that, the business part should resolve itself!

 

[7ontheline]

Not having an MBA or business background will not preclude you from opening up your own solo practice. Those things help, but lots of docs don't have them.

The main thing about opening a solo practice is you have to be prepared for what it entails. Be ready to borrow a lot of money to start. Then be prepared to work. A LOT. You need to bust your hump to build a name for yourself. Then you have to realize that whenever any of your patients has a problem, it's your problem. You're on call 24/7, there are no partners to cover for you. Also, unless you're stupid, you will be willing to see them at any time. Otherwise they will be upset with you. The business aspects of your practice are ultimately all your responsibility also - even the most trusted business manager can be stealing from you. Also, don't forget to network within the community - get those referrals.

In the end, you have to decide if it's worth it to you. Still, from what I understand, it can be a very profitable way to practice if you work it right.

 

[cdql]

That, and you'll never have a boss screaming at you again 🙂

 

[SteelEyes]

Depends where you end up. I know of some ophthalmologists in solo private practice, but have collectively decided to share call. There are 7 of them and they rotate 1 week at a time. That situation is ideal IMO.

 

[sparticus]

How helpful is it to have an MBA as an ophthalmologist?
Does it matter where you get one from?
What job opportunities are there for MD/MBA ophthalmologist? 😳 😀