How bad is it to back out of an attending job before you start?

[lockian]

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Pretty much that. I don’t think it’s a job environment or patient population that I’d do well with, but I was too naive and blinded by money to realize that right away. I start... soon.

 

[wolfvgang22]

What's your contract say?

 

[lockian]

What's your contract say?

I have to give them 90 days notice, but it also says the contract can be terminated at any time or for any reason by mutual agreement. I’d also have to give the signing bonus back.

I was more thinking about the reputation side of things, and credentialing needing to be cancelled. Places always ask if your credentialing or privileging was ever cancelled or revoked.

 

[splik]

But your privileges wouldn’t be revoked so you don’t have to declare that. You are voluntarily suspending your credentials because you will no longer work there.

As for reputation: it’s not great but there are plenty enough demand for psychiatrists that it won’t make you unemployable but of course it won’t look good

 

[J ROD]

it's a small world. ......it's like taking a poop on your neighbor's lawn. You can do it but it's not socially and professionally the best idea.

 

[Mass Effect]

Are you sure this isn't just cold feet? Jobs aren't forever. Can you stick it out for a year? I think it also depends on your start date. If you're starting within the month, I'd advise you to stick it out and begin your job search in a few months with plans to leave in a year. If your start date is further down the line, it may not be the worst idea to bail.

 

[Sushirolls]

Socially, and professionally people don't gave a concrete structure. Quit let them know you won't be coming. Credentialing is just paper work, whether for a hospital or insurance panels.

Keep it vague, and if needed get a lawyer to help you with the letter when back out. They don't need to know why. If you already know this isn't the job for you, then run. Pay back their bonus as required.

I know of one doc who showed up at one hospital job for something like 1 day, then quit and was like nope, not working here. That same doc owns a practice and is a med director for some other facility.

Life is short. You have already run the gauntlet in medical school and residency. Don't waste your time being trapped again when you already know you don't want to be.

 

[SourceOfDenial]

it's a small world. ......it's like taking a poop on your neighbor's lawn. You can do it but it's not socially and professionally the best idea.

Couldn’t disagree more. You aren’t beholden to some hospital...it’s a job. People change their mind and reevaluate what matters most.

I did a similar thing with a moonlighting gig, started, wasn’t a good fit and quit. Felt bad, like I’d be judged..wasn’t an issue at all with the employer.

hospitals and employers don’t love you, you aren’t entitled to love them. If a clinician told me ‘I signed up for a job, then re-evaluated what was important to me and quit’ I’d respect that person.

Medicine spends too much time shaming other clinicians as a field. We don’t need this behavior, it doesn’t serve anyone except perpetuating crappy systems.

 

[thepoopologist]

You should do what's best for you. You can afford to get cold feet, some people can't.

 

[J ROD]

Where I am in the South....your word means something. Sure you can do it but folks here seem to have a long memory.