Let’s talk about choosing your first attending job.
Here are things that I looked for in a job that was important to me as a new graduate and mother of two who survived working during a pandemic:
- Location – after traveling 30-60 mins each way for 3 years I had enough of long commutes. 15-20 mins tops
- Flexibility- as a mom I need flexibility. Being able to block a time slot or in my case being about to work full time in 4 days instead of 5 was very important to me.
- Supportive- I needed an environment that supports a new attending with seasoned partners, excellent resources like MAs, nurses, referrals, office staff and also equipment. Enough EKGs and labs and material for procedures and treatments.
- Overall vibe. I needed a place that was comfortable and a place I can grow and learn and be treated with respect and kindness
- Benefits and salary- as the provider of our health and dental insurance it was important to have good benefits. A family of 4 in health and dental is thousands of dollars.
- No hospital responsibilities. I was so burnt out from COVID I wanted solely outpatient for now
- Academia- I love mentoring and wanted an opportunity to be able to work with students or residents in the future.
I needed great benefits and salary- as the provider of our health and dental insurance it was important to have good benefits. A family of 4 in health and dental is thousands of dollars. Click To Tweet
Some other things you might want to consider-inpatient, outpatient or nursing home opportunities, ability for growth financially as in raises or becoming a partner, private practice vs hospital owned practice, loan forgiveness qualification.
What were things that were important to you when looking for an attending job? What questions do you have about the process?
