Possible to "hang own shingle" as PM&R doc?

[Prime2000]

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Hi everyone, I'm a med student just in the beginning stages of learning about PM&R. I'm curious if this is a field of medicine where it is possible to go into solo private practice, as in "hang your own shingle?" Or this a field where you'll always need to work out at a hospital or large group practice?

 

[Disciple]

Hi everyone, I'm a med student just in the beginning stages of learning about PM&R. I'm curious if this is a field of medicine where it is possible to go into solo private practice, as in "hang your own shingle?" Or this a field where you'll always need to work out at a hospital or large group practice?

Depends where you want to live and what "niche" you're trying to create.

 

[Prime2000]

Depends where you want to live and what "niche" you're trying to create.

What conditions and niches would be favorable for solo private practice?

 

[dc2md]

Absolutely!
You can easily be the musculoskeletal guy/girl in town. Easier to do this if in a rural or smaller suburban town with less group practice competition. Try to convince the PCPs in town that you'd be happy to take care of all their back/neck/shoulder/knee pain patients for them...and also perform the EMG/NCS in town.

 

[Disciple]

What conditions and niches would be favorable for solo private practice?

The basic rule would be, "if you want to do what everybody wants to do, and live where everybody wants to live" it's going to be very difficult.

As it relates to PM&R (2009) that would be an MSk/Spine/Pain practice in a desirable geographic location.

At the other end of the spectrum, if you pick something not alot of graduating physiatrists are going into, in BFE, you should have no problem whatsoever.

 

[RUOkie]

Hi everyone, I'm a med student just in the beginning stages of learning about PM&R. I'm curious if this is a field of medicine where it is possible to go into solo private practice, as in "hang your own shingle?" Or this a field where you'll always need to work out at a hospital or large group practice?

The answer is yes you can, but you will work harder, and live in a more rural area---OR you will make a lot less money. If you search this forum for my posts, you will see a lot about my practice (I am Solo for the past 6 years). I love what I do, but I see whatever comes in the door. By "aiming to please" and seeing some stuff I don't like (brain injury, chronic pain) I also get to see the good stuff (EMG, msk medicine).

My old office mate (from a previous practice) is now in solo practice in Denver. His costs are over double mine (I am in rural Oklahoma). Do the math. PM me if you want further info.🙂