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A fellow’s perspective on looking for a job
Throughout our medical training, it has been decided for us where we will work, what we will do and how much we will make. At the end of fellowship, however, these are all up in the air and suddenly there are a multitude of choices. Sometimes it can feel overwhelming to decide what to do, but there are many people who can help guide your search for the perfect career after fellowship.
As endocrine fellows, we have many options open to us. Perhaps the most important thing is to sit down and decide where you would like to be and what is most important.
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I have found it helpful to consider the location of practice. Are you tied to a particular area because of your partner or family? If so, this will limit where to look for jobs. Are you tied to a particular type of practice? Have you always envisioned yourself in the academic setting or doing pharmaceutical research? If so, this will impact where to apply. If considering clinical practice, do you want it to contain a research component? Are you looking for a solo, group or multispecialty practice setting? Are you considering government work such as public health, the VA or military? How much do you want to make (you have a say in this)? How much do you want to work? Do you want protected time off from work or are you OK with being on call? What scope of the field in endocrinology do you want your practice to encompass? Are you planning on practicing general endocrinology or further specializing into a particular area such as diabetes, the thyroid or pituitary?
Starting your search
Next, it is time to decide where to start looking. Begin discussions with mentors and faculty about open positions that may suit your needs; the faculty members you interact with can have many insights into job opportunities and guidance on what to consider.
Look at the career sections of websites that post job listings, such as the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists and Endocrine Society, or search medical group sites for job listings. Reach out and contact any listings of interest. If an ideal job comes out, do not be shy about contacting them and making it clear how important it is to you. A word here about recruiters: There are different types of recruiters. Some are employed by recruiting firms, whereas others are employees of a medical group. This affects how they are paid and whether they will earn a commission. This can influence how they describe a job or how helpful they are in being a liaison between you and the group.
Around this time in your job search, make sure your application is in order. Now is the time to bring out and update your curriculum vitae and perhaps write a cover letter. When these are complete, seek out the people from whom you would like letters of recommendation. Likely, they will want to know a bit about what you are planning to apply for and will want a copy of your CV to best work on your letters. Give them enough time to write a compelling recommendation. Once all of this is in place, apply to positions that interest you.
If all goes well with the application, it is time to set up an interview. This is your chance to find out what the practice is like. Is the work environment one you can see yourself enjoying and doing well? Do the other members of the practice have similar philosophies as you or will you feel conflicted about their practice style if you have to cover for them? If it is a group practice, is it set up with an equal sharing of responsibilities or are the junior members expected to shoulder the majority of the call duties? All these and more are things to discuss on the interview day. You may want to take a few moments at the end of the day to jot down your thoughts or impressions so that you can recall them later.
Considering, accepting a job offer
Hopefully, if you like the practice, they will extend a job offer and contract. This is where the real work begins. Likely, the contract will include a set date to consider, after which it expires. During that time, look at the contract and decide how you feel about it and anything you would like to change. Everything on the contract needs to be looked at and is up for negotiation. Decide areas to focus on and any changes you would like to the contract. Having a lawyer look at my contract and voice concerns about the contract helped me to focus on areas I was interested in changing and having a better understanding of what I was getting myself into if I took this job. Like any relationship, for your job, set the right tone from the beginning and make sure you are happy with the expectations on both sides. You want your contract to reflect this.
If you are able to come to an understanding on the offer, sign the contract and enjoy the rest of fellowship before you enter the work world.
Samira Kirmiz, MD, is an Endocrinology Fellow at University of California, Los Angeles/West Los Angeles VA Healthcare Center.