Tales from the Trenches – A Late Night in the ED

Tonight began like any other night. I sleepily entered the back door near the trauma bay and was greeted by a man sprinting down the hallway wearing one shoe, tighty-whities, and sporting handcuffs attached to one wrist.

Golden Hoops – Considering the True Costs of MOC and CME

I hold out hope that education requirements for doctors will also adapt and consider the cost of continuous and life-long learning. Expensive doesn’t mean better, and the data on the impact of CME requirements and practice competency are lagging. It seems that legislative imperatives and public opinion have found their way into state-mandated education for healthcare professionals. While there may be value, consideration of the real cost for those jumping through these hoops would be appreciated.

Finding and Working with a Mentor

Having a mentor can make a massive difference in your career. You will be introduced to influential people outside your circle, rapidly gain knowledge, and accelerate professional development.

Data shows that young professionals who have mentors ultimately have higher career satisfaction, autonomy, and financial reward.

Don’t have a mentor? What are you waiting for?

The Day After Residency: How to Maximize Your Career in Medicine

Your career in medicine will span several decades. Don’t become complacent and assume what you know now is the best and only option for your patients. Keep a curious mind and push yourself to explore interests and passions; your patients will thank you for it. 

Practical Thoughts On Pursuing A Partnership Track

Most of my friends and colleagues speak highly of their time working in a large group and enjoy the perks of partnership. Enhanced income, profit sharing, camaraderie, entrepreneurial activities outside the hospital, and deep ties to the other physicians in the group are definite benefits…

How to Turn CME Requirements into Vacation Fun

Mandatory CME easily reaches 50 hours per year for many physicians. Add in the maintenance of certification requirements for some specialties and the time commitment, and it can turn into a part-time job just keeping up. 

That said, why not make it fun? Most, if not all, CME could turn into a vacation experience if you chose wisely. 

How Can Physicians Ask For & Get a Raise?

Physicians often find themselves earning a similar income year after year, or even a bit less. Many struggle through this, but years ago a mentor shared a few tactics to improve the playing field. Some of these options may be intuitive, but without directly asking for an increase in compensation, you will be in the same position twelve months from now. 

As a Physician These are the Qualities I Value in a Recruiter

When answers are needed or clarification required, the kind of recruiter I like to work with digs in and finds the honest answers. Fostering a long-term relationship over the quick win is a recipe for mutually beneficial collaboration.

CME Conferences to Attend in 2018

While the options are endless, your time and likely budget are not. Chose wisely. Do your research and ask your colleagues to ensure you are getting the most reward for your time and effort obtaining CME and attending conferences. 

Why I Still Love Medicine

Even though the media often portrays physicians as burned out and barely hanging on, this is not the reality for most who work in healthcare. Each physician has his or her reasons for choosing medicine, and I wanted to share a few of my own…