In an ever-changing industry, there are a few things that a physician can count on in the job. Increasing and rapidly changing regulatory rules and sharply declining reimbursement, along with technology innovations, all characterize an industry in the thick of big changes. The physician shortage is looming. The COVID-19 pandemic still creates challenges for clinical care. Into this tumultuous environment comes the recently graduated doctor, ready to select their first primary clinical practice. What are these clinicians expecting? What about the environment the physicians encounter? How will it meet the needs of new doctors in the field?
Six Job Requirements for the New Physician
New graduates have several choices when it comes to the first step in their career. Choosing the right opportunity will largely be determined by the goals of the clinician. What are these new doctors looking for?
- Compensation is a factor, but may not be the most important factor attracting a new physician to the job. Loan forgiveness is a big factor, considering the average doctor has more than $200,000 in student debt upon graduation. However, student loan debt isn’t the only financial concern for new doctors. Many (76%) are already saving for retirement—benefits like a 401(k)-match matter to these young clinicians.
- Employment over private practice is desirable to most new physicians. An Accenture study showed only 33% of doctors were in private practice in 2016 and the number continues to drop. Many existing clinicians moved to system employment since then and most new doctors will not set up a private shingle when they emerge from their graduate studies.
- Work/life balance is a big requirement for new physicians. More women doctors say they want their employer to be more flexible. Physicians Practice reports there is a difference between genders in this area. Women clinicians cite the need for more work/life balance before taking a job. Male clinicians are more interested in compensation over work/life balance, but it is an issue. The AMA surveyed millennial doctors in 2017 and 92% rated work/life balance as a top priority early in their career.
- Clinical and practice culture is a big deal for most new doctors. Young doctors want to feel connected to the culture in your organization. They will align their job search to fit the kind of environment they’re looking for. They are drawn to team-based care models and are drawn to organizations that align with their values.
- They want their work to matter is a key attribute of the job most millennials or new physicians seek these days. Organizations that offer clear delivery mechanisms to give back to the community will do better than those that are strictly profit-driven.
- Technology matters to new docs today. These are doctors that grew up with electronic screens and understand the value of having the best equipment to improve patient care. You will not find a technology-reluctant clinician in the bunch. The doctors are savvy about everything from telemedicine to EHR to patient implanted devices and remote monitoring.
Where does that leave you, the “average” community health center seeking new clinical teams to help your patients? Talk with UHC Solutions about your organization to see if we have the right kind of candidate to fit your hiring goals.
