Friday, May 24, 2013

The Changing Trend in Physician Employment

By Amy Cline


An increasing number of new physicians are choosing Emergency Medicine as their specialty as opposed to the once popular practice of primary care. This trend has been attributed to a number of variables by some of the top physician recruitment firms in the country.

When looking for employment, many physician will tell you that quality of life is one of the biggest determing factors for them. Having a set schedule versus being on call to be called in to work at all hours of the day or night is one of the most attractive aspects of emergency medicine to residents. Having the luxury of maintaining a successful career that allows a well blanced personal life is attractive to them.

According to a 2008 report from the Department of Health and Human Services ER doctors work fewer hours than any other specialty in medicine. This is a dramatic change from the independent primary care physicians that work day and night rarely seeing their families.

The growing number of women physicians is a direct correlation to this shift in physician employment as well. Many female residents have become pregnant during residency or are the parents of young children increasing the need for set schedules and work life balances.

Many physicians are also intrigued by the fast pace and complex mysteries presented to them in Emergency Medicine. The excitement of bringing a fast solution to their patients is a more appealing alternative to their primary care counterparts faced with the long term care of diabetes and chronic illnesses.

Physician recruiters are seeing young doctors accept physician jobs in hospitals, forcing many independently owned practices to close. Recruiting firms have confirmed that 51% of positions filled in the past year were for hospital placements, a dramatic rise from the 14% eight years ago.

Private practice is less appealing to a young physician in today's fast paced society. Choosing Emergency Medicine and hospital employment is a seamless transition avoiding the costs and stressors of private practice. Subsequently, primary care physicians are trading in the keys to their private practice leaving behind the stress of administration, physician recruitment, reimbursement hassles, rising malpractice costs and general liability risks for life in the ER.

Young physicians entering the job market with a huge mound of student loans and education debt to pay off are looking for stability in an uncertain economy. These are things that hospital based employment offer. Emergency Medicine gives them the financial stability and quality life they are seeking.




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