Congratulations! After many years of training, it is time to get a job. Before going into the details, I want you to appreciate the beauty of this moment. If you are debating between applying for a fellowship or a job, I recommend you read my post “Taking Big Decisions in Life.”
This is a summary of the things you need to know before starting your job search. I added some notes from my experience. The links will be at the end of the post. Feel free to write your questions in the comments.
First, you need a CV. There are many websites with templates to fill in. I used Canva for my CV. My seniors shared their CVs for guidance; I am returning this favor to the world by sharing mine (with changed personal details and added notes). The focus of the CV is your professional experience. You will also need two to five letters of recommendation. Having the attendings or mentors write the LOR is best, but you could also ask your co-residents.
Once you have a CV, upload it to the portals available for physicians. Most websites will sort jobs by location and position type. By uploading your CV, your contact information will be shared with recruiters, and you will receive many phone calls and text messages. I received three phone calls within the hour of uploading my CV. The main things the recruiters want to know are:
- Preferred setting and location: Choose between hospitalist only, hospitalist plus nursery rounds, hospitalist plus clinic, locums, ambulatory clinic, or urgent care. They also want to know where you live and if you are willing to move.
- Preferred schedule: This varies depending on the setting. Clinics have a standard 9-5 schedule, some have extended hours, and most are open 1-2 weekends a month. Hospitalist jobs have a wide range of schedules (only days/only nights, 7 days on/7 days off, 24 hours for 2-3 days a week).
- Salary expectations: Each state has its own range of salary compensation. Ask other pediatricians in the area, and don’t settle for less than the average; most places will negotiate and meet your request if they are interested in you.
- Visa sponsorship: J1 waivers are primarily offered in underserved communities or rural locations. H1 has better opportunities to find sponsorship in a city. Some nonprofit hospitals and academic institutions might open opportunities for you if you directly express your interest in them.
Here is what you should look for and the most important questions:
- Job specifics: Inquire about the number of patients per day, night phone calls, weekends, admin time, procedures, and in-house tests. For hospitalist jobs, also ask about attendance at deliveries.
- Patient demographics: This may be useful if you feel a better connection with a specific community and will give you an idea of the challenges you might face.
- Benefits: Continuing medical education, PTO, health insurance, etc.
When you receive a contract, read the fine print. I was able to find a job quickly after I released my CV. However, when I received the contract, there were unexpected changes. I decided to withdraw my application and restart my job search. Some recommend having a lawyer read the final contract before signing it.
There are many jobs everywhere. Be patient until you find something that really interests you. I wish all my co-residents good fortune. I hope this helps you get your dream job.
Dedicated to my seniors who guided me through the process: Gold, Ann, Uday. Special thanks to Anushree, Clorene and Abhinav for their LOR.
Links:
- Taking big decisions in life
https://notesfromapediatricsresident.wordpress.com/2024/04/04/taking-big-decisions-in-life/
- Canva CV
- Websites
https://www.doccafe.com/
https://www.practicelink.com/
https://www.practicematch.com/