Applying for the Private Practice Job

[Stillwater45]

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So I think I've decided to take the plunge into private practice. Currently a CA-2 so I'm a bit early. But starting to get my CV together.


What makes a good CV for private practice?

I have accumulated 10+ small research abstracts and presentations. No actual publications. Do I include these in my CV for private practice. They take up almost 2 pages and I was told to keep my CV to under 2 pages so I am thinking no?

How does this system of applying work? I was thinking I am going to send CV with cover letter to the secretary for the group or the managing partner? What about Letters of Recommendation? Do PP gigs commonly ask for these? Should I send them unsolicited?

Is now too early to start sending out my CV?

My wife and I have 2 cities that would really love to live in. Each city has a few groups. None of the groups are actively posting jobs (Gaswork ect.) What should my approach be? I definitely don't want to be annoying but I would love to get me foot in the door.



Thanks - Any advice is appreciated.

 

[PMPMD]

So I think I've decided to take the plunge into private practice. Currently a CA-2 so I'm a bit early. But starting to get my CV together.


What makes a good CV for private practice?

I have accumulated 10+ small research abstracts and presentations. No actual publications. Do I include these in my CV for private practice. They take up almost 2 pages and I was told to keep my CV to under 2 pages so I am thinking no?

How does this system of applying work? I was thinking I am going to send CV with cover letter to the secretary for the group or the managing partner? What about Letters of Recommendation? Do PP gigs commonly ask for these? Should I send them unsolicited?

Is now too early to start sending out my CV?

My wife and I have 2 cities that would really love to live in. Each city has a few groups. None of the groups are actively posting jobs (Gaswork ect.) What should my approach be? I definitely don't want to be annoying but I would love to get me foot in the door.



Thanks - Any advice is appreciated.

It is a little early, and some groups may tell you that they won't know their manpower needs that far out. But I don't think it hurts to call around, especially if you have a narrow geographic focus. I know a guy who wanted to move to a small town, and had a job lined up during CA-2 year - he was replacing a partner who had planned to retire about the time the resident graduated.

I don't think the abstracts are a big deal either way. I mean, no one's going to be blown away by abstracts, but it's nice to show you did something in residency Keep it within 2 pages.

My approach was to (cold) call the hospitals, ask for HR, and they would forward me to the anesthesia group their hospital contracts with. I talked to secretaries and partners.

I don't think letters are needed, just the contact info for references. I have a page already made with my go-to professional references so I can email it out when asked.

 

[Goldenyak2]

I'll try to answer a few of your questions from my experience.
I'd recommend using your abstracts and presentations in your CV especially since this is your first job. Your CV can be longer then 2 pages within reason. It is a complete showcase of your qualifications used to generate interest from your potential employer. If they like what they see, you may get an interview.
The cover letter is key when applying to positions so make sure you individualize each letter. Explain why you are interested, what unique skills you have to offer, and why they should consider you.
I wouldn't send any letters of recommendation without the potential employer asking for them. Usually they'll request that info after you've talked with them. The practices I've encountered don't ask for letters but just the contact info of your references. You can bet PPs will ask for references.
As mentioned on this site numerous times, the best jobs are almost never advertised. You need to do the leg work. Contact the practice managers and ask them about who you should send your cover letter and CV to. Make sure you follow up with them to impress on them your interest (mention this in your cover letter when you plan to do so). Do not rely on them calling you back.
Hope this helps. Oh, and it's not too early to start looking.

 

[Frank Rizzo]

I'll try to answer a few of your questions from my experience.
I'd recommend using your abstracts and presentations in your CV especially since this is your first job. Your CV can be longer then 2 pages within reason. It is a complete showcase of your qualifications used to generate interest from your potential employer. If they like what they see, you may get an interview.
The cover letter is key when applying to positions so make sure you individualize each letter. Explain why you are interested, what unique skills you have to offer, and why they should consider you.
I wouldn't send any letters of recommendation without the potential employer asking for them. Usually they'll request that info after you've talked with them. The practices I've encountered don't ask for letters but just the contact info of your references. You can bet PPs will ask for references.
As mentioned on this site numerous times, the best jobs are almost never advertised. You need to do the leg work. Contact the practice managers and ask them about who you should send your cover letter and CV to. Make sure you follow up with them to impress on them your interest (mention this in your cover letter when you plan to do so). Do not rely on them calling you back.
Hope this helps. Oh, and it's not too early to start looking.

Good advice.

Most importantly, put your contacts to work! Where did your past senior residents go? Call them. If staying 'in town' your current attendings likely know many of the other docs in town. If going "out of town," ask anyway... you'll be surprised to learn who knows who.

 

[Noyac]

My only comment is that it probably doesnt hurt to send LOR with the CV but it usually isn't done that way.