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Deciding which job to take: Hospital vs. private practice

Published on: Mar 10, 2017
Category:

Private Practice 625

When deciding on a career trajectory, many physicians come to a crossroads: seeking employment in a hospital or a private practice. Each opportunity offers its own advantages, and the choice often comes down to what each professional wants to achieve, personally. For some, the regularity of working in a hospital is comforting. Others may value the freedom associated with a private practice.

For most physicians, this decision requires considerable thought. Here are some pros and cons to consider:

Working in a hospital

Hospital jobs are appealing to physicians because they offer a steady, consistent paycheck. Merrill Matthews, writing for The New York Times, noted that physicians at hospitals get paid the same amount no matter how many patients they see. This means they can spend more time with each patient rather than rushing from one to the next.

Physician jobs at hospitals are just that: jobs that focus on helping patients. In a hospital, clinicians don't need to worry much about administrative tasks because they're supported by a dedicated administrative team.

Working in a private practice

Working for an established private practice or founding a new group can provide physicians greater control over how they care for their patients. While physicians who work for hospitals must commit to following established guidelines and policies, private practices provide the advantage of choosing the treatment options they feel best suit each particular case.

Speaking with the American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Dr. Louis F. McIntyre, MD reported that professionals in private practices also have a say in staff hiring decisions, an important distinction from those with hospital jobs. Experienced clinicians may value this freedom which allows them to set expectations and focus on aspects of care that they are most interested in.

At the end of the day, professionals need to consider for themselves which situation sounds more appealing. To sum up the debate between hospitals and private practices:

Hospitals:

  • Pro: Salary stability.
  • Pro: Fewer administrative headaches.
  • Con: Less control over treatment options.
  • Con: No control over hiring decisions.

Private Practice:

  • Pro: Freedom to choose care options.
  • Pro: Have a voice in day-to-day business operation.
  • Con: Salary can be unstable.
  • Con: Cannot only focus on patient care.

The final decision may also depend on the hospital networks and practices which operate in the geographical region of choice. Some physicians may prefer rural life over a home in the city. Taken together, these choices will help in the final decision making process.

To see what positions are available at hospitals or private practices near you, check out myHealthTalent.com.


Sources:

http://www.aaos.org/CustomTemplates/AcadNewsArticle.aspx?id=8704&ssopc=1

http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2014/03/05/hospital-systems-vs-private-practice-doctors/hospitals-are-the-big-winners