How to deal with a difficult boss/doctor

[kfsa1]

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So I'm currently working as a scribe for a private practice, where all of our scribes work with one provider. I have been working with my current MD since November or so and I've heard his reputation of him being difficult, even before I decided to take up the job offer. But anyways, to give brief details:

-Our clinic prefers the charts to be finished after the clinic rather than at the time of the patient visit so that they can be better quality.

-While the job description asks that all charts be completed by the following week, the guy I'm working for is the only one who wants them done within 24 hours. Usually, when he wants them done sooner, he would also let me know, and I always come through with that

So far, I've tried my best to meet this guy's expectation. I even stay at the clinic until 9 or 10PM sometimes to make sure the notes are done as he wants them to. But there was this one incident where I did not have the charts finished on time, and he got angry (I was late 3-4 hours than the time he expected them done). I did sincerely apologize for that as it was my fault, and since that time, I've always got them done on time. This past Friday, he never said anything about when he wants them by so I just planned on doing my usual routine of finishing them by Saturday afternoon. I had about 8 of them left to do. Anyways, he proceeds to text me before I could start them on Saturday, telling me that "just when I started to think well of you again, you have disappointed me again" and that "he has never seen this behavior with his previous scribes" and called me "passive aggressive". I sent an e-mail because he wouldn't pick up the phone and apologized again, and explained my side of the story, and asked him why he called me passive aggressive, because I felt personally attacked. His response was that he doesn't need to tell me specifically when the notes should be finished by (his problem was that starting Saturday, he was on vacation, so me finishing the charts within 24 hours, like normal, was not acceptable). And then, he proceeded to bring my dad into the conversation...telling me that my dad would probably agree with what he is saying in that I need to put the work I'm paid to do ahead of my personal life (which I have no problems with, and have been doing).

Here are the problems I am having:
1) This guy is making this personal rather than professional, accusing me of personal defects, which I don't believe are true, and even bringing my dad into the conversation.

2) I've truly busted my *** to meet his expectations when technically, I don't need this job and would rather be unemployed right now, to enjoy time off before medical school. I am staying pretty much out of courtesy as they can't find any replacement scribes.

3) I have no problem with what he said about doing work that I am paid to do before proceeding with personal things...but on Friday, he never said one word about wanting them finished earlier than usual (he usually tells me if he does). So, I was just planning on doing my normal routine. This seems like a miscommunication to me but he is turning it into a personal attack, saying that my apology for the previous time was an "empty expression". If this were the case, I wouldn't be staying up until 3-4AM to finish the charts when I am running on <5 hours of sleep already (which I have been doing since the first incident).

I am very tempted to send him an e-mail and call him out for making this personal and resigning on the spot...but I have interest in possibly specializing in the field I'm working in right now, and the MD I am working for has said to me multiple times that he expects me to replace him when he retires at that clinic (because he thinks I have good experience (roughly 2 years) and have shown competence). So, my parents are telling me to continue being his bi*** so as to not burn bridges.

Any advice guys? Thanks.

 

[aspiring20]

So I'm currently working as a scribe for a private practice, where all of our scribes work with one provider. I have been working with my current MD since November or so and I've heard his reputation of him being difficult, even before I decided to take up the job offer. But anyways, to give brief details:

-Our clinic prefers the charts to be finished after the clinic rather than at the time of the patient visit so that they can be better quality.

-While the job description asks that all charts be completed by the following week, the guy I'm working for is the only one who wants them done within 24 hours. Usually, when he wants them done sooner, he would also let me know, and I always come through with that

So far, I've tried my best to meet this guy's expectation. I even stay at the clinic until 9 or 10PM sometimes to make sure the notes are done as he wants them to. But there was this one incident where I did not have the charts finished on time, and he got angry (I was late 3-4 hours than the time he expected them done). I did sincerely apologize for that as it was my fault, and since that time, I've always got them done on time. This past Friday, he never said anything about when he wants them by so I just planned on doing my usual routine of finishing them by Saturday afternoon. I had about 8 of them left to do. Anyways, he proceeds to text me before I could start them on Saturday, telling me that "just when I started to think well of you again, you have disappointed me again" and that "he has never seen this behavior with his previous scribes" and called me "passive aggressive". I sent an e-mail because he wouldn't pick up the phone and apologized again, and explained my side of the story, and asked him why he called me passive aggressive, because I felt personally attacked. His response was that he doesn't need to tell me specifically when the notes should be finished by (his problem was that starting Saturday, he was on vacation, so me finishing the charts within 24 hours, like normal, was not acceptable). And then, he proceeded to bring my dad into the conversation...telling me that my dad would probably agree with what he is saying in that I need to put the work I'm paid to do ahead of my personal life (which I have no problems with, and have been doing).

Here are the problems I am having:
1) This guy is making this personal rather than professional, accusing me of personal defects, which I don't believe are true, and even bringing my dad into the conversation.

2) I've truly busted my *** to meet his expectations when technically, I don't need this job and would rather be unemployed right now, to enjoy time off before medical school. I am staying pretty much out of courtesy as they can't find any replacement scribes.

3) I have no problem with what he said about doing work that I am paid to do before proceeding with personal things...but on Friday, he never said one word about wanting them finished earlier than usual (he usually tells me if he does). So, I was just planning on doing my normal routine. This seems like a miscommunication to me but he is turning it into a personal attack, saying that my apology for the previous time was an "empty expression". If this were the case, I wouldn't be staying up until 3-4AM to finish the charts when I am running on <5 hours of sleep already (which I have been doing since the first incident).

I am very tempted to send him an e-mail and call him out for making this personal and resigning on the spot...but I have interest in possibly specializing in the field I'm working in right now, and the MD I am working for has said to me multiple times that he expects me to replace him when he retires at that clinic (because he thinks I have good experience (roughly 2 years) and have shown competence). So, my parents are telling me to continue being his bi*** so as to not burn bridges.

Any advice guys? Thanks.

did you already get accepted? if so, then this seems like a no brainer. QUIT.

you got accepted, you dont need the job, you obviously dont like/get along with him, and from what you said, he seems to be an ungrateful/miserable person. just quit.

 

[Cambino]

did you already get accepted? if so, then this seems like a no brainer. QUIT.

you got accepted, you dont need the job, you obviously dont like/get along with him, and from what you said, he seems to be an ungrateful/miserable person. just quit.

If you are already accepted to medical school, yes quit.

 

[thesauce]

Now you know what it's like to be a resident. Try not to take this personally. Everyone makes mistakes (and I'm not saying you made any), so don't beat yourself up about it. Some people just have difficult personalities. This won't be the last difficult physician you'll work with - not by a long shot.

 

[kfsa1]

Now you know what it's like to be a resident. Try not to take this personally. Everyone makes mistakes (and I'm not saying you made any), so don't beat yourself up about it. Some people just have difficult personalities. This won't be the last difficult physician you'll work with - not by a long shot.

Thanks for the comment...but I am having a hard time not taking it personally because he made a direct comment about my personality, which I don't feel was warranted. This is so unexpected as generally, I feel like he is a good person who is respectful...but he has this other side to him that comes out of left field. In any case, this is exactly what I was wondering...if residents are treated in this manner (funny how I haven't even started medical school and I'm going through something like this).

Given that I'm already accepted to medical school, would you quit this job and burn that bridge? Or would you stick around as this MD may be helpful in landing a job in the long run? At one point (before these incidents), he also jokingly threatened to call the medical school I am at (he is an alumni) as he feels like he still has a big influence there and even if this may not be the case, I don't want to risk losing my acceptance by him making phone calls to admissions.

 

[kfsa1]

Also, thank you cambino and aspiring for you comments as well.

 

[mmmcdowe]

but I have interest in possibly specializing in the field I'm working in right now, and the MD I am working for has said to me multiple times that he expects me to replace him when he retires at that clinic (because he thinks I have good experience (roughly 2 years) and have shown competence). So, my parents are telling me to continue being his bi*** so as to not burn bridges.

Any advice guys? Thanks.

What do you really think the odds are of you ending up taking over this guy's practice? Meaning you end up in the same specialty, wanting the say type of practice, in that specific area, all at the near exact moment he plans to retire? Infinitesimally low. Sounds like you'd be better off not taking over his practice even if this incredibly unlikely scenario plays out. Sounds like a load of bluster to me.

 

[thesauce]

Thanks for the comment...but I am having a hard time not taking it personally because he made a direct comment about my personality, which I don't feel was warranted. This is so unexpected as generally, I feel like he is a good person who is respectful...but he has this other side to him that comes out of left field. In any case, this is exactly what I was wondering...if residents are treated in this manner (funny how I haven't even started medical school and I'm going through something like this).

Given that I'm already accepted to medical school, would you quit this job and burn that bridge? Or would you stick around as this MD may be helpful in landing a job in the long run? At one point (before these incidents), he also jokingly threatened to call the medical school I am at (he is an alumni) as he feels like he still has a big influence there and even if this may not be the case, I don't want to risk losing my acceptance by him making phone calls to admissions.

If you don't need the money and really don't enjoy the job, then get out. You will make other connections and probably will end up in a different specialty down the road. Little chance that he'll call the school to report petty complaints. Even less of a chance that they would do anything based on his word unless he is a HUGE donor. And if they do, that will be a quick and lucrative slander lawsuit against both him and the school.

In the future, I wouldn't enter into a dialogue with him about what he believes are your personality shortcomings. Just thank him for his advice.

 

[rodmichael82]

What do you really think the odds are of you ending up taking over this guy's practice? Meaning you end up in the same specialty, wanting the say type of practice, in that specific area, all at the near exact moment he plans to retire? Infinitesimally low. Sounds like you'd be better off not taking over his practice even if this incredibly unlikely scenario plays out. Sounds like a load of bluster to me.

Exactly! op when you go to medical school you're going to like other things. Don't be his mop just because your parents think you might be burning a bridge. There's probably thousands of practices in your state, you don't need him.

Send him an email let him know you put in a lot of effort but felt harassed by his personal attacks and would like to resign. After that lay back and enjoy life. You're going to be busting your ass in medical school at the very least try to enjoy this last year! Go out on a vacation or something. Party and have fun.

 

[thesauce]

What do you really think the odds are of you ending up taking over this guy's practice? Meaning you end up in the same specialty, wanting the say type of practice, in that specific area, all at the near exact moment he plans to retire? Infinitesimally low. Sounds like you'd be better off not taking over his practice even if this incredibly unlikely scenario plays out. Sounds like a load of bluster to me.

I agree. He's just kidding around. He'll make the best deal for himself when he retires. Whether that means passing the practice off to you or someone else.

 

[kfsa1]

I agree. He's just kidding around. He'll make the best deal for himself when he retires. Whether that means passing the practice off to you or someone else.

I almost believed him because we are recruiting other physicians for our practice right now and he always tries to introduce me to them, a lowly scribe, as in his words "they could be your future colleagues". But anyways, it seems like the general consensus is to just say F*** it. This sounds very appealing to me. I am talking with a friend right now about this case as well, who was his previous scribe, who suggested I talk to him face to face first. Depending on how he acts, I should decide on a course of action.

 

[IlDestriero]

If you don't need the money, just quit.
Easy.

 

[tartesos]

I almost believed him because we are recruiting other physicians for our practice right now and he always tries to introduce me to them, a lowly scribe, as in his words "they could be your future colleagues". But anyways, it seems like the general consensus is to just say F*** it. This sounds very appealing to me. I am talking with a friend right now about this case as well, who was his previous scribe, who suggested I talk to him face to face first. Depending on how he acts, I should decide on a course of action.

You can quit and not burn that bridge. Give a resignation notice. Offer to train whomever they find to replace you.
You don't have to give reasons to quit, but you can be polite if asked or just say you don't feel comfortable doing this at this time of your life and you may come back. White lies.

You got into med school already tell them to F off. if he's such an ***** I'm sure his colleagues won't think much of him either as far as recommendations and such. Don't be afraid of him.
And email and keep copies of everything just in case.

 

[LizzyM]

Are you paid hourly? Are you getting overtime for these late nights and weekends spent charting? If not you might want to talk to a lawyer specializing in employment law.

If you don't need the paycheck and the job is causing you emotional stress, get out and be thankful that you have that option.

 

[WildEMDoc]

Given that I'm already accepted to medical school, would you quit this job and burn that bridge?

Quit bro

 

[aspiring20]

super congrats on your acceptance OP. it is something i think/dream about every second of my life.

 

[kfsa1]

super congrats on your acceptance OP. it is something i think/dream about every second of my life.

Thank you so much. It was the best day of my life so far....I had to work hard to build up my credentials after graduating undergrad in 2009, taking post bacc classes, retaking the MCAT 3 times, and working in the clinic. It was a looooonnnnngggg road but one that is definitely worth it. I hope you achieve your goal soon too!

 

[Gauss44]

In general, the solution to dealing with an absolutely intolerable boss is to quietly and carefully look for another job either within the organization or outside of the organization. For future reference, if you were to call other doctor's offices in your area and anonymously explain your situation to HR, they would probably assure you that they would not contact your current employer.

As other people have said, since you are already accepted, you might want to just quit. I mainly added this because I'm aware of a situation where someone may have developed social anxiety, insomnia, etc. from mistreatment at work. If it can't be fixed, just get out.

 

[Lamel]

Don't get so down by it. He is definitely mistreating you/breaking some sort of law if you are not being paid overtime.

Also think of it this way, he may treat you like crap, but he NEEDS you. As you said, they can't find other scribes, so you're in the power here

Plus you've already been accepted, you really don't have much to lose if you quit. You don't need the money, and you can definitely find some other (most likely higher paying) job if you do.

 

[Microglia]

Are you paid hourly? Are you getting overtime for these late nights and weekends spent charting? If not you might want to talk to a lawyer specializing in employment law.

If you don't need the paycheck and the job is causing you emotional stress, get out and be thankful that you have that option.

👍 Quit like there's no tomorrow and ride off into the med school sunset. Srs. There's no point in burning yourself out dealing with that if you don't need the money.

 

[kami333]

OP, you wouldn't happen to be Asian would you? It sounds like a conversation I've had with my parents.

 

[Lamel]

OP, you wouldn't happen to be Asian would you? It sounds like a conversation I've had with my parents.

Maybe you are OP.

 

[circulus vitios]

If you're already accepted to medical school then just go full out and burn your bridges to the ground. He calls you passive aggressive? Lose the passive part and just be aggressive. Get in his face and chew him out for being human garbage.