How early can we start looking for a job?

[dukeisadog]

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I know parts of this have been previously addressed, but I recently came across a new twist that I'd appreciate some advice with. When is the earliest we as residents should start contacting potential jobs? I just started a three-year EM residency, and I know exactly the state I would like to move to after residency, and I won't change my mind about this. One of the other residents in my program contacted his preferred future hospital before he even started his residency, and they signed him and are giving him a monthly stipend throughout residency. I believe that his area is not very desirable (not underserved, however), and the area I'd like to move to is also not the most desirable. I've seen postings for jobs that I would love to apply for if it weren't too early. Would it make sense for me to contact some of these hospitals? Thanks for your help!

 

[gutonc]

There's no reason you can't contact them now. Maybe you'll get a similar deal, maybe you'll just be able to build a solid relationship that will serve you well in a couple of years.

Keep in mind though that nothing is free. Your buddy has no idea how well he will fit into the group he signed up with, but he's on the hook for either X years or Y dollars if he decides he wants to practice somewhere else. Also, he's likely to make less in his first 3 years than he would otherwise. It's not free money, it's an advance on salary.

 

[AlmostAnMD]

....a stipend during residency, given before residency has really even started? How common is that?

 

[gutonc]

....a stipend during residency, given before residency has really even started? How common is that?

Not very. But it happens. Usually in rural places that have a hard time recruiting.

 

[peppy]

No harm in contacting them and getting info, but I would NOT commit to anything until maybe a year or a year and a half prior to graduation personally. You never know if something might happen in residency that will change your views about what you want.
Certainly, I would suggest asking a trusted faculty member and a lawyer with expertise in physician contracts to look it over before you sign any contracts. Make sure you know what you're getting into.

 

[Arcan57]

....a stipend during residency, given before residency has really even started? How common is that?

Our CMG (contract management group) offers a stipend during residency. I think it's only for 2nd or 3rd yr residents though.