LocumLife - May 2008 - (Page 6)

INSIGHTS Survey says Presenting industry research Survey reveals residents’ expectations Physician residents have numerous career options upon completion of their training. Given the dire shortage of doctors in most medical specialties, new physicians are very much “in the driver’s seat” in terms of identifying practice opportunities that meet their personal and professional objectives. Edward McEachern psychiatry (8%), anesthesiology (7%), urology (6%), and radiology (3%), among others. PROFESSIONAL GOALS Participants were almost evenly divided on the question of whether they intend to pursue fellowship training. In fact, 45% indicated they are interested in advanced training. Among those who do not contemplate pursuing a fellowship (40%), a central goal is to begin medical practice within a reasonable timeframe. Just over one-fifth (21%) of new physicians plan to start their medical practices within 6-18 months of finishing their residencies, whereas 63% plan on beginning practice immediately or at least within 6 months of completing their training. Additionally, becoming boardcertified is a definite objective for the vast majority of residents. Nearly threefourths expect to become board certified within 1 year of completing residency, and another 14% plan on becoming boarded within 2 years of finishing their programs. Given the importance of board certification for participation in major health plans, it is interesting that 6% responded they do not plan to obtain certification at all. LOCUM TENENS INTEREST Most hospitals and medical groups have aggressive recruitment programs to attract physicians seeking full-time T o get a better understanding of what motivates physicians preparing to launch their careers, Jackson & Coker recently commissioned a survey titled Residents’ Expectations Revealed. Not only does the survey provide insights into the career planning of young physicians, it also offers perspective on what it takes for hospitals and medical practices to attract the “best and brightest” among candidates seeking permanent opportunities. During February 2008, the survey was mailed to residents across the country at various levels in their training programs. Results indicated that nearly half of all respondents are being trained in primary care specialties, including pediatrics (19%), internal medicine (16%), and family practice (10%). Also represented are those in surgery and surgical specialties (9%), The specialties of respondents practicing medicine: Pediatrics 19% Internal Medicine 16% Family Practice 10% Surgery and Surgical Specialties 9% Psychiatry 8% Anesthesiology 7% Urology 6% Radiology 3% 6 LocumLife MAY 2008 employment. Among prospective candidates are doctors who wish to pursue another appealing career option: locum tenens opportunities. When asked how locum tenens factors into their career plans, 29% of the participants say they would consider “moonlighting” to earn extra money after accepting a full-time position. Eleven percent would be willing to accept locum tenens engagements on a long-term basis. Another 8% would be mainly interested in temp-to-perm opportunities. However, slightly over half (52%) have not thought a great deal about locum tenens as an alternative. Those who have considered choosing temporary contracts have varying intentions of aligning themselves with locum tenens recruiters. Specifically, 12% intend to register with one to three agencies and 4% will contact four to six companies. Another 4% said they would register with as many agencies as possible, while 18% intend to contact as few as necessary. Almost two-thirds (64%) are undecided. PERMANENT EMPLOYMENT OPTIONS As indicated by survey results, participating residents have given careful thought to permanent employment situations. Sixty-three percent state they expect to explore one to five permanent opportunities, while almost a quarter (24%) intend to investigate six to seven positions. Eight percent anticipate looking into eight to ten job openings before accepting an offer, and 5% www.LocumLife.com http://www.LocumLife.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of LocumLife - May 2008

LocumLife - May 2008 Insights Editorial Contents From NALTO Stat! Survey Says Resources Last-Minute Luxury Following the Seasons Neurology Career Centers Advertiser Index Opportunities Direct Destinations On Location Contest Rules Anyone's Guess La Vita Locum

LocumLife - May 2008

For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.