I am a current fellow who has started looking for pain jobs in private practice. I have an offer, but maintain some concerns about it. I turned to my program director and assistant program director, but both say they have never been to private practice and can't really help me. They referred me to a few recent graduates for advice, but none of them will give me the time of day. If anyone out there would be kind enough to offer their advice over P.M., I would greatly appreciate it.
Nice guys.
1. Comb this forum for new graduate advice. Much has already been posted.
2. Look at a diversity of practices in widely varying locations, according to your own tolerances. Realize there are significant benefits to living somewhat off the grid, and you will pay up to practice in a major population center.
3. Look for practices that have their act together. If the partner you speak to on the phone sounds disorganized, the practice is as well.
4. Always spend a day visiting any practice you are serious about. Watch the partners do procedures. See how everyone interacts. You may not be comfortable with the way some guys expect you to practice pain medicine.
5. Assess the role of midlevels in the practice, and their relationship with the doctors.
6. Assess the emphasis placed on prescribing in relation to your tolerances. Are referring doctors offended, or happy when you won't rx narcs to a drugged out bum?
7. Assess the community which you plan to move to. Is it sustainable for your home and social life?
8. Assess the assets of the practice. Is their fluoro ancient such that you can barely see dye spread to do a safe injection? Are there expensive items that may need to be replaced with you helping foot the bill? Which EMR do they use, if any? You will be using this system every day, and upgrading is expensive. Make sure you are comfortable with the EMR. Don't expect community practice level EMRs to approach Epic or whatever your large institution uses (if it has a robust EMR).
9. Assess your contract- there should be ample details already posted in the forum to help you figure out if the deal is fair.
Good luck!