Know Your Practice Options

CAREER PLANNING |

Finding the Right Practice

Before starting your career search, it helps to know about the multiple types of practices available.

Each has unique aspects which may or may not be attractive to you as you consider your future career.

As you review the different types, carefully assess your professional goals, practice preferences, and personal needs to choose a practice type that aligns with your priorities.

What are the types of practices to consider?

There are five types of practices to become familiar with as you start to explore post-fellowship opportunities.

Here is a brief description of each:

Private Practice

Physicians practice independently in a solo or group practice without employment affiliations and maintain complete autonomy over all aspects of the practice and business.

Hospital Employment

Physicians have an employment agreement and contract with the hospital. The hospital typically manages much of the administrative aspects of the practice such as billing, insurance contracting, and human resources.

Academic Program

Physicians are employed and practice in academic medical centers and engage in a variety of scholarly activities, such as research and teaching. There can be varying levels of clinical workload with both clinical and research tracks available.

HMO Position

Physicians are employed by the HMO and serve as contractors to provide medical services to beneficiaries.

Locums Tenens

Physicians practice on a temporary basis with assignments varying from days or weeks to several months with the position often obtained through a placement agency.