Physicians spend years studying to become practicing doctors. First, they must study for four years in pre-medical classes in a College or University and then take the MCAT admission test. Then, after completing 4 years of medical school, medical students must then apply for acceptance in a residency training program. After completing residency training, physicians can either seek additional training in fellowship specialty training or begin practicing medicine once taking and passing a nationally recognized licensing exam and becoming officially licensed in a particular state. There are several categories of physician jobs which include a solo practice with 1 physician, a group practice of 2 or more physicians either single specialty or multi-specialty and an employed physician practice. Read on to learn more about physician jobs.
Physician Jobs
- Solo Practice
- Group Practice
- Employed Physician Practice
Solo Practice
Solo practices only have one physician without any partners. Solo practices are especially good for those doctors specializing in internal medicine in rural or suburban areas. A solo practice usually has a small office staff and a limited number of patients. As a solo physician, you can design your practice as you wish, get to know your patients on a personal level and practice medicine in your own personal style. The potential downsides of a solo practice include increased financial risk, paying for your own malpractice insurance, having all responsibility for hospital care and weekend patient coverage and loss of income if you become ill or go on vacation.
Highlights
- Ability to Design Your Own Practice
- Personal Relationships with Staff and Patients
- Increased Financial Risk and Increased Call Schedule
Group Practice
A group practice has tw0 or more physicians and can practice either only one medical specialty or consist of multi-specialty practitioners. Advantages of a group practice includes increased financial security, an improved lifestyle, better employee benefits, and decreased administrative tasks. In addition, in a group practice there is reduced hospital, weekend and evening on-call duties. A drawback to practicing in a group practice is that there is less decision-making ability about how the practice is run and managed.
Highlights
- Increased Financial Security
- Better Lifestyle and Employee Benefits
- Reduced Hospital, Weekend and Evening On-Call Schedules
Employed Physician Practice
Employed physician practices include solo and group practices, ambulatory clinics, and inpatient facilities which are managed and owned by hospitals and medical corporations. Physicians are employees of the hospital or corporation allowing them to spend less time in administrative duties and more time practicing medicine. Physicians have guaranteed salaries and employee benefits with reduced evening, inpatient, and weekend call schedules. Physicians may have certain productivity requirement, scheduling and patient contact demands, along with a limited referral capacity.
Highlights
- Guaranteed Salary and Benefits
- Less Administrative Requirements
- Reduced On-Call Schedules
Conclusion
There are several types of physician jobs including solo practice, group practice, and employed physician practice. Each type of physician job had advantages and disadvantages which should be carefully considered before deciding which type of practice milieu is best suited for you and your particular type of medical practice.