Embarking on a job search as a physician is a significant endeavor that requires careful planning and consideration. Whether you’re a medical resident nearing the end of your training, a seasoned physician seeking new opportunities, or somewhere in between, the timing of when to start your job search can greatly impact your career trajectory and overall success. So, how far out should physicians begin looking for jobs? Let’s explore this question in detail.
Medical Residents and Fellows: For medical residents and fellows approaching the end of their training, it’s never too early to start thinking about their post-training career. Many residency programs offer career guidance and resources to help residents navigate the job search process during their final year of training. Ideally, residents should begin exploring potential job opportunities, researching practice settings, and networking with potential employers before completing their training.
Guide on Timelines:
For Pediatricians, we recommend looking 3-9 months out from start date. If you start before 9 months out, you will cut off the amount of openings available to you. This is because most groups want to recruit a Pediatrician that can start in 1-3 months from when they start recruiting. Typically, the groups that will interview more than 9 months out will be rural medical groups.
For FM and IMs, we recommend looking in the 6-16 months out from start date. Typically, the groups that will interview more than 16 months out will be rural medical groups. 6-12 months is the sweet spot, this will give you the most options to choose from!
For Specialty Physicians like Endo, Rheum, Gastro, etc, you can start looking 12-30 months out from start date. 12-24 months is the sweet spot to start looking, you will have a good selection to choose from!
Early-Career Physicians: Early-career physicians who have recently completed their training or are transitioning to a new practice setting should also start their job search well in advance. Depending on their specialty and desired practice location, it’s advisable to begin the job search process 6-12 months before their intended start date. This allows ample time to research job opportunities, negotiate contracts, and complete any credentialing or licensing requirements.
Mid-Career Physicians: Mid-career physicians who are considering a career change, relocation, or advancement opportunities should also plan their job search strategically. While they may have more experience and established networks than their early-career counterparts, mid-career physicians should still start their job search process at least 6-12 months in advance to allow for adequate time to explore options, evaluate opportunities, and make informed decisions about their next career move.
Late-Career Physicians: Even late-career physicians who are nearing retirement or considering transitioning to part-time or locum tenens work should plan their job search accordingly. While their timeline may be more flexible, it’s still important to start the job search process early, especially if they’re seeking specific practice arrangements or locations. Late-career physicians should begin exploring their options and discussing retirement plans with their financial advisors and practice partners at least 12-18 months before their intended retirement date.
Factors to Consider:
- Specialty and Demand: Physicians in high-demand specialties or underserved areas may need to start their job search earlier to secure desirable opportunities.
- Geographic Preferences: Physicians seeking positions in competitive or geographically desirable locations may need to start their job search earlier to stay ahead of the competition.
- Contract Negotiation and Credentialing: The job search process often involves negotiation of contracts, credentialing, and licensing requirements, which can take several months to finalize.
- Personal Circumstances: Individual circumstances, such as family obligations, financial considerations, and career goals, may also influence the timing of a physician’s job search.
In conclusion, the timing of when physicians should start looking for jobs depends on various factors, including their career stage, specialty, geographic preferences, and personal circumstances. By planning their job search strategically and starting early, physicians can maximize their opportunities, secure desirable positions, and embark on a fulfilling and rewarding career path.
Produced by NOW Healthcare Recruiting david@nowhealthcare.org
We recruit for over 1000 health systems and medical groups in all 50 states, in all clinical settings.