Dilemma regarding quitting a job

[studmuffin6004]

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So for some background, I've worked for an FM private practice under an internist for a little over a year now. I started while I was still in undergrad and worked 40-50 hour work weeks with a full course schedule. I just graduated and am taking my first gap year and I tried my hand at some SMP applications for GPA repair which I could use. I only applied to a few and was finally recently accepted which was unexpected and after doing the research and speaking with individuals who graduated from the program I really want to go through with it. The doctor who I work for is now advising me against doing this and called my "integrity" to question because I'm not staying true to when I told him I would work for another year (before I got accepted to any programs). For reference, I never signed a contract about how long I would stay or any binding agreement, and am more than happy to put in a full 30 days notice. Is there actually any downside to ignoring him and quitting anyways or are there potential harmful impacts this could have on my application as I would basically be giving up on a recc letter from him. I'm just confused because I feel that getting into a program that would possibly help me get into medical school one day would be something a mentor would support but instead it feels as if I'm being threatened with my career. Any suggestions?

 

[Dral]

If you have worked there that long, it will look very very odd to anyone who is critically reviewing your app if you don't have a letter from him.

You would think everyone would want what's best for a mentee, but it's not always the case. I'm not suggesting you stay there, but in the current climate, it would be very difficult to get someone hired and up to speed within 30 days. That really isn't your problem to be honest, but I'm just trying to give some thoughts on why he isn't taking this that well.

 

[jinjames0]

A lot of the places are under staffed and a lot of new employees don’t last in my experience. So a fully functional staff is quite precious. Legally, of course you aren’t required to stay and it’s really your choice in the end. But your concern is valid that this might bring into question your integrity. Could you provide some more context regarding why you made that promise and why you decided to apply even after you made this promise? Is there a way to delay your admission?

 

[Bwesternn]

It's not like you quit on the spot. You asked for his advice and this is how he reacted? As someone who has been an MA as well as an admin for a large primary care practice, I'm sorry on behalf of the physician you work for. Questioning your integrity for choosing to do what you believe is best for your career is childish and unacceptable.

The reality of the situation is that you need to do what's best for you, which is also probably why he acted the way he did - he's faced with losing continuity.

To answer your question, the downside would be as Dral mentioned. Sure you lose a rec letter, but you have time yet to make new connections and get a rec letter from someone else.

Everyone has made promises and sometimes circumstances change. If medical school is the goal, you need to do what is best to achieve that goal - but please do give proper notice before quitting if you choose to do so.

 

[wysdoc]

I'm sorry this happened to you with your employer, but I think you will be fine without a letter from him when you apply.
Academic letters are more often a required part of your application.

 

[OchemOficionado]

Do what’s best for you, not their practice. What’s your sGPA? SMPs are usually expensive. . . Do you really need it?

 

[studmuffin6004]

A lot of the places are under staffed and a lot of new employees don’t last in my experience. So a fully functional staff is quite precious. Legally, of course you aren’t required to stay and it’s really your choice in the end. But your concern is valid that this might bring into question your integrity. Could you provide some more context regarding why you made that promise and why you decided to apply even after you made this promise? Is there a way to delay your admission?

There's no way to delay the admission, already tried to reach out to the school for that. I've worked mostly full time all four years of college, when I started undergrad the shift from working in high school and doing well to college and doing well was something I really struggled with. First two years didn't go by as smooth as the last two years where I finally was somewhat able to figure out a balance. When I started working here I did not expect to have a competitive application for even SMPs. I had no intention of doing anything for this upcoming year besides working when I told him I'd work for another year. With time and more coursework I was able to bring it back up to a more competitive level and was told by my advisor I should look into at least trying to apply but she did not sound too hopeful herself at the time. I didn't think anything of it then but the situation has turned into me now having an acceptance and I'd love the opportunity to show that I can handle this level of coursework as I can focus on my grades. My family situation has changed now with my brother graduating as well and being able to support our family.

 

[studmuffin6004]

I'm sorry this happened to you with your employer, but I think you will be fine without a letter from him when you apply.
Academic letters are more often a required part of your application.

Thank you for your kind words, I've discussed this with the Office Manager as well who was present for the conversation. She informed me that he has done this to other students who have had opportunities such as this in the past to prevent them from leaving. She has also told me she is still willing to write me a letter if I needed it to describe my time worked within the office and she has done this for other students before. Do you feel that there is a significant difference in a letter coming from a provider vs the office manager?

 

[studmuffin6004]

Do what’s best for you, not their practice. What’s your sGPA? SMPs are usually expensive. . . Do you really need it?

Thank you for that advice. SMPs are expensive and I would still need to take out a loan for this however a significant chunk of the program is being covered by a scholarship from the school that is based on merit and need. sGPA is 3.24, last 33 credits of science courses was a 3.62

 

[wysdoc]

Thank you for your kind words, I've discussed this with the Office Manager as well who was present for the conversation. She informed me that he has done this to other students who have had opportunities such as this in the past to prevent them from leaving. She has also told me she is still willing to write me a letter if I needed it to describe my time worked within the office and she has done this for other students before. Do you feel that there is a significant difference in a letter coming from a provider vs the office manager?

I think I would just list her as the contact person for this job on your activities section of the application. If a school verified your hours they would be getting the info from her.
If you don’t need this extra letter - thank her for the offer and say you will be in touch later if you would like her to write one.

 

[_med21_e]

If he is essentially threatening you and gaslighting you by questioning your integrity (and even did this to prior students), then you do NOT want a LOR from him. If anything, you need to question HIS integrity and how strong that LOR will even be.

This is your future, OP. You don't owe anybody anything. It's like this physician was expecting you to work YEARS for him. And it's not like you just started working and were planning on quitting on the spot. I went through three months of training at my big girl job and quit when training was over, because I also got an unexpected acceptance, and my managers encouraged me to leave and wished me well.

Just state your office manager as your point of contact when you do apply.

Also, in my experience, once you're in an SMP, an academic letter is going to matter more anyways.

 

[LindaAccepted]

I'm surprised (and not surprised because of the job market) and sorry that the doctor is laying a guilt trip on you. Do what's best for you. It sounds like you have a great opportunity with the SMP to do the GPA repair and proceed to become a physician. Give a proper 30-day notice. Put the office manager as the contact person. You've been a loyal employee. The integrity issue is with the doctor.

 

[PandaBaer]

You worked for them for since undergrad, potentially sacrificing your grades, and they still aren't willing to write a letter? Quit now.
I would find someone in the office who is supportive and can serve as a reference and possibly even write a letter if they are in a supervisory capacity, i.e. the office manager.
If you're planning on doing an SMP you should devote your full energy to it, think of it as your final lifeline. I would do everything possible to not have any other obligations during that time other than your coursework and networking. You can probably pick up better letters during your SMP.