Know What’s Important: The First Step to Finding your Dream Job in Pediatrics
by Danise A. Cooper, Physician Recruitment Senior Search Consultant, Cejka Search
Encompassing physical, mental, and social well-being of infants, children, adolescents, and young adults, pediatrics offers a broad spectrum of rewarding career options and diverse opportunities. Training in general pediatrics is the portal for careers in the subspecialties, often the most challenging positions to fill. However, career satisfaction among physicians in pediatrics is well documented.
According to research conducted by the AAP in 2006, ninety-five percent of graduating pediatric residents in the general practice job market report that if they were to do their residency over, they would choose pediatrics again. The study also reported that pediatricians reported higher satisfaction than internists on key indicators including job, career and specialty.
What does the perfect pediatrics job opportunity look like? Newly trained and experienced pediatric specialists alike should start by considering the importance of each of the following criteria:
- Type of Practice Setting
A variety of practice settings exist, ranging from a single specialty practice to an academic medical center, to a large hospital. - Geographic Location
While rural areas have enormous demand for pediatric specialists, it’s important to take into consideration distance from family and type of recreation activities a specific geography offers. - Compensation and Professional Growth
This includes weighing the importance of factors such as competitive compensation and benefits, cost of living, and ability to grow professionally. - Lifestyle Attributes
Pediatrics is at the forefront of the trend toward more flexible work arrangements for physicians. Hours or call schedule and the degree to which flexibility to pursue other activities are important considerations.
Ultimately, fitting in with the organizational culture and ensuring that family needs are accounted for are both essential factors for success and longevity at any job opportunity selected. If your family is happy with the location and your unique style and attributes are a match with the practice’s organizational culture, there is a greater likelihood of outstanding performance and job satisfaction for many years to come.
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