univlad's job search thread

[univlad]

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Now that the holidays are nearly over and a new year is almost here, will more groups begin to think about hiring for the upcoming summer? For people who have been through a pathology job hunt before, have other job opportunities emerged in the winter and spring?

I've interviewed at a few places and have had one verbal job offer today and will go back for an informal second interview next week. I am waiting to hear back from another place I interviewed at in a larger city I'd rather live in. If this other job does not produce an offer, I would be okay with the first job, but all things considered, I'd rather be in a larger city.

Will there be more opportunties coming or should I take this offer? How do you tell a group, that you'd like to join them, but just want to make sure something better isn't in the works. How long can you wait from the time the offer is made?

 

[LADoc00]

Now that the holidays are nearly over and a new year is almost here, will more groups begin to think about hiring for the upcoming summer? For people who have been through a pathology job hunt before, have other job opportunities emerged in the winter and spring?

I've interviewed at a few places and have had one verbal job offer today and will go back for an informal second interview next week. I am waiting to hear back from another place I interviewed at in a larger city I'd rather live in. If this other job does not produce an offer, I would be okay with the first job, but all things considered, I'd rather be in a larger city.

Will there be more opportunties coming or should I take this offer? How do you tell a group, that you'd like to join them, but just want to make sure something better isn't in the works. How long can you wait from the time the offer is made?

Opportunities, real opportunities can emerge at any time. I would keep my eyes open. The problem really is that most post grads cant see the gems and instead go for job stability. Job security is the inverse of risk and thus inversely proportional to potential gain, similar to money market funds/stocks.

You have told us nothing of your offer. Offers really are meaningless to me, anyone can get a job offer with loose enough search restrictions. The key is critically analyzing each offer and weighing the risk v. reward.

 

[univlad]

Opportunities, real opportunities can emerge at any time. I would keep my eyes open. The problem really is that most post grads cant see the gems and instead go for job stability. Job security is the inverse of risk and thus inversely proportional to potential gain, similar to money market funds/stocks.

You have told us nothing of your offer. Offers really are meaningless to me, anyone can get a job offer with loose enough search restrictions. The key is critically analyzing each offer and weighing the risk v. reward.

I don't actually have an official offer in writing yet. Over the phone, the group just mentioned they were going to offer me the position but would like me to come back in person to discuss salary, group finances, and the contract.

I am just wondering how it works once a group offers you a job and a contract. How long is it possible to wait to see what else comes along? Are you saying that once you sign on with a group, you can still keep looking and tell the group you originally signed with that you are going to take another spot? As far as I can tell, I would be happy with the people in the group and the group structure, though I'd prefer a more urban setting. I don't know what the salary or group's finances will be until I go back.

What has been your experience when offered a position? I've heard it is wise advice to have a lawyer look at contracts, so I don't think they will expect me to sign on the dotted line right there. What time frame do groups expect you make a decision? Do groups expect that you will also be contining to look? How long can one expect a group to wait for you? What do you tell the group? I'm sorry to sound so clueless....

 

[univlad]

I don't actually have an official offer in writing yet. Over the phone, the group just mentioned they were going to offer me the position but would like me to come back in person to discuss salary, group finances, and the contract.

I am just wondering how it works once a group offers you a job and a contract. How long is it possible to wait to see what else comes along? Are you saying that once you sign on with a group, you can still keep looking and tell the group you originally signed with that you are going to take another spot? As far as I can tell, I would be happy with the people in the group and the group structure, though I'd prefer a more urban setting. I don't know what the salary or group's finances will be until I go back.

What has been your experience when offered a position? I've heard it is wise advice to have a lawyer look at contracts, so I don't think they will expect me to sign on the dotted line right there. What time frame do groups expect you make a decision? Do groups expect that you will also be contining to look? How long can one expect a group to wait for you? What do you tell the group? I'm sorry to sound so clueless....

I went back for the second interview today and the group went over salary, benefits, and contract. They mentioned that they would like to hear back in two weeks.

 

[Ale]

Did you ask for tail coverage?

 

[univlad]

Did you ask for tail coverage?

As I understand it, if I leave voluntarily during the first year, I am responsible. If I leave by my choosing during the second year, the group will pay half. After two years, the group will pay the cost. If I am asked to leave, the group is responsible for the coverage. Is that standard?

 

[Ale]

There is no standard, you need to negotiate it. Usually, the cost of tail coverage goes higher as you progress in the practice. In the first year it may be a few thousands and after two or three may go the tenths of thousands. It depends on volume, area of practice, etc. Yours does not seem a bad deal. If you personaly think is a good deal go for it, if you don't know ask for more opinions.
I know of people that the group paid for it, and they left before the first year. Another one in the same group got nothing after three years in the group. He just forgot to ask for it and it wasn't in the contract.

Just remember, it is a contract. if you don't like something, you negotiate to see if you can change it. Run the contract through a contract lawyer with expertise in medical contracts. This should cost you a anywhere from $500 to a couple of thousands depending on the lawyer fees and how many times you call him. He will find things that you didn't even know existed.

 

[LADoc00]

Did you ask for tail coverage?

you dont need tail coming out of training/fellowship/post doc or any other academic setting. In fact Ive never bought tail personally and probably never will. Might be a different story in other specialties, but the rate of pathologists being hit with a suit assuming they arent heavy cytology is low...very very low. Assuming you are relatively young your cumulative risk is quite small.

If I was hiring someone I probably wouldnt pay their tail(and did a very experienced pathologist last year and did not pay tail). I wouldnt mind if someone asked though.

 

[djmd]

you dont need tail coming out of training/fellowship/post doc or any other academic setting. In fact Ive never bought tail personally and probably never will. Might be a different story in other specialties, but the rate of pathologists being hit with a suit assuming they arent heavy cytology is low...very very low. Assuming you are relatively young your cumulative risk is quite small.

If I was hiring someone I probably wouldnt pay their tail(and did a very experienced pathologist last year and did not pay tail). I wouldnt mind if someone asked though.

My understand has been the tail coverage would be the tail of the job you are accepting a contract for, not the fellowship you left.

 

[LADoc00]

My understand has been the tail coverage would be the tail of the job you are accepting a contract for, not the fellowship you left.

Ah I see, my bad, yeah usually employers do pay for tails out of jobs you are leaving. Misread that. But if you are with an insurance carrier for long enough, not sure the exact length, you get a free tail for retirement.