Finding The SDG

[Backpack234]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I was reading through the recent thread on EM docs who left medicine and found a lot about how much better the SDG model is and how we seem to be so much happier in that setting. I'm curious, how do you find these magical unicorns?

Let's say I work in Minnesota and I'm looking to move to a new location. I can hit google maps and search for emergency departments, call everyone up and see what their model is, but I've noticed that the vast majority of these tend to be corporate-run EDs. My guess is that the SDG doc is working somewhere that's close to where they grew up or where they went to residency. Is there a trick I'm missing?

 

[gro2001]

I was reading through the recent thread on EM docs who left medicine and found a lot about how much better the SDG model is and how we seem to be so much happier in that setting. I'm curious, how do you find these magical unicorns?

Let's say I work in Minnesota and I'm looking to move to a new location. I can hit google maps and search for emergency departments, call everyone up and see what their model is, but I've noticed that the vast majority of these tend to be corporate-run EDs. My guess is that the SDG doc is working somewhere that's close to where they grew up or where they went to residency. Is there a trick I'm missing?

Your network is also good.

Do you know anyone from the previous years who moved to the area? Maybe not the same town, but maybe the same state? They may have some additional information about the local market.
Do your faculty/PD know someone in the area? Ask around, maybe they could give you the name of someone you can reach out to for further questions.

EM is a small world. You'd be surprised at who knows who.

 

[KGflyboy]

I rotated with a good SDG as a student. I also worked with a different SDG as a resident. I ended up signing with one of those groups. If you don't personally know a SDG, just follow the advice above. Ask all your coworkers, friends, faculty if you are still a resident. I'm sure they will have some ideas as you start your search.

 

[KGflyboy]

Where do you want to move? Do you have specific areas in mind?

 

[Angry Birds]

Sorry what does SDG stand for ? Something democratic group?

 

[BoardingDoc]

Sorry what does SDG stand for ? Something democratic group?

Semi-democratic group. My understanding of the terminology is that it's "semi" democratic because you don't get a vote when you start, but do have a equal stake/vote once you're a partner.

Edit: Maybe I'm wrong on this one per the comments below?

 

[turkeyjerky]

Semi-democratic group. My understanding of the terminology is that it's "semi" democratic because you don't get a vote when you start, but do have a equal stake/vote once you're a partner.

Is this right? I always thought it was small.

 

[RustedFox]

Is this right? I always thought it was small.

The way I see it, you're both correct.

 

[Hercules]

No it stands for Small Democratic Group. SDGs are small groups of EM docs running their own practice without corporate overlords. There are lots of groups that label themselves as such but aren’t all that democratic when you look into them. A true SDG is all about parity and transparency. IMHO the big three are: equal votes, equal pay structure, equal scheduling (though that doesn’t mean everyone has the same schedule—due to preferences and incentives), and open books.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

 

[Tenk]

The way I see it, you're both correct.

I see what you did there...