New orthopedic physician: Balance career advancement and personal well-being
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Key takeaways:
- A period of rest after orthopedic residency is crucial to reset and prepare for the path ahead.
- Empathy will help build stronger relationships and allow one to be a more effective and compassionate physician.
Graduating from an orthopedic residency is a monumental achievement, marking the end of a grueling journey and the beginning of an exciting new chapter in an orthopedists’ medical career.
As you transition from training to practice, it is important to take some time off — 1 or 2 weeks — to enjoy life before diving into your new role. This period of rest is crucial to reset and prepare for the demanding path ahead.
As you navigate this next phase, maintaining a healthy work-life balance and adapting to the ever-changing health care landscape is essential. The health care environment today is vastly different from even a few years ago. Medical schools have not fully adapted to these rapid changes, often focusing on outdated fee-for-service delivery models. However, the current health care system emphasizes value and patient outcomes rather than the volume of services provided. It is not just about performing an intervention, like surgery or an injection, but ensuring the patient feels better and is pleased with the outcome.
As a new orthopedic physician, you will encounter a world increasingly driven by data, digital medicine and preventative care. Embracing these shifts is crucial for success and for providing the best care for your patients.
Business of medicine
One of the most significant challenges new orthopedic physicians face is understanding the business side of medicine. With around 75% of physicians being employed, knowing how to navigate employment agreements and understanding what is expected of you is vital.
Transitioning from being an independent thinker to working within a corporate structure can be daunting. You may feel a loss of autonomy, surrendering some control to a nonphysician or corporate entity. Understanding the financial and contractual aspects of your employment will help you make informed decisions that align with your career goals and personal values.
Prioritize quality of life
When considering where to practice, prioritize your quality of life. Instead of chasing the best job opportunity based solely on financial incentives, find a place where you genuinely want to live and see yourself thriving. Environment greatly impacts your overall happiness and productivity.
If you are in a relationship, respect the work your significant other is doing as much as your own. Personal relationships will significantly influence your success and satisfaction as a physician. Find a location where you can sink your roots in and enjoy life when you have time off. It is about finding the best opportunity for your quality of life, not just the best job.
Be empathetic
You have given up some of the most productive years of your life to become a physician and developed unique skills along the way. Recognize that the journey through medical school and residency has equipped you with a unique perspective and set of skills that are invaluable. Always put patients first and remember that your role in their lives is incredibly important. Patients will see you as an erudite medical professional, possessing great responsibility and trust.
The volume of patients will ebb and flow. Do not let fluctuations in patient numbers make you feel inadequate. This is a tough profession, so accepting the waves of your career and appreciating the unique challenges of being a physician will help cultivate a fulfilling and balanced professional life. It is important to have more empathy toward the people around you, be it your patients, your family or your colleagues. This empathy will help build stronger relationships and become a more effective and compassionate physician.
Your journey is just beginning, and with these insights, you are well-equipped to navigate the exciting path ahead. By balancing professional aspirations with personal well-being, you can achieve a fulfilling and successful career in orthopedics.
Reference:
Nearly 80% of physicians now employed by hospitals, corporations: Five things to know. https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/hospital-physician-relationships/nearly-80-physicians-now-employed-by-hospitals-corporations-report-finds.html. Published April 11, 2024. Accessed July 3, 2024.
Louis Levitt, MD, MEd, vice president of The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics, can be reached at skrouse@briancom.com.
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