Marcus RichardsCompleting residency is the last step toward becoming a licensed physician. Searching for your first post-medical school career can be exciting and also a bit overwhelming. Each of these tools can be beneficial as you transition from medical residency to physician.
Curriculum vitae (CV) or Resume
A CV displays your education and training in the medical industry. A typical medical career CV includes your contact information, education, licenses, board certifications, and professional experience. It may also include publications or research projects you have worked on in the medical industry. Make sure you include both internship and residency experience.
Give yourself a few months to perfect your CV. Make sure it’s updated before submitting it to any potential jobs. Use online proofreading tools like Grammarly to check for spelling mistakes. Ask a trusted friend or coworker to go through the resume for another perspective on any potential improvements.
Cover Letter
A cover letter is another important element of your medical career application. Whereas your CV lists your education and experience, a cover letter discusses why you want the specific job. This is your opportunity to highlight what makes you an ideal candidate for the open position. It also allows you to show that you did your research and have a compelling reason for choosing one employer over another.
Ideally, create a new cover letter for each position you apply for. Be sure to include details on any unique aspects of the job. For example, if the position requires you to relocate, make sure you’re clear in the cover letter that you’re willing to do just that. Specifically, point out any skills or experience the position requires, carefully describing how you meet that requirement. Unique skills like medical marketing can help set you apart from other candidates.
Professional Referrals
Not all positions require professional referrals, but you’ll want to have them readily available if requested. Try to choose professional referrals who can attest to your medical skills, such as medical school professors or physicians you worked with as a resident.
Continuing networking after medical school can ensure you have a good collection of professional referrals available. Referrals from medical professionals who can speak to specific skills, like research, can add even more value to your application.
Job Search Database
You’ll also want to pinpoint a few places where you’ll look for open positions. Some medical professionals may use a recruiter to match them to their dream job. You can also search online using databases. Choosing online job sites catering to medical professionals can help you find more relevant careers in your industry.
The evolution of the internet has made it easier than ever to find physician jobs online. You can narrow down your options to include medical specialties and locations that best fit your career goals. Try to have a good idea of exactly what you’re looking for in a position before reaching out to available positions. This ensures that you can give 100% to the positions that interest you most.
Competitive Salary Information
One of the most important questions you’ll be asked during the interviewing process is your salary expectations. It’s essential to be prepared for this question with a salary range, plus data to back it up. You can collect this information using the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
In addition to average pay, the BLS website also lists work environment expectations and job outlook. For example, experts estimate that the demand for physicians and surgeons will increase by 3% by 2031. Some specializations in the medical industry will be more in demand than others, with general physicians, dermatologists, family medicine physicians, and emergency room physicians being among the most in demand.
Use this information in your negotiations when seeking the right career. Remember that your compensation package may include other benefits, like health insurance and paid time off. Have a good idea of your salary needs before accepting a new job, especially one that requires relocation.
Professional Membership
Joining a professional organization allows you to network with other healthcare professionals. Not only can this help you find employment, but it also connects you to industry research and the latest healthcare news. Most professional organizations host events for their members, which can also help you keep up with ongoing education requirements.
Choosing your first medical career post-residency is a big decision. Your experience in this position will set the path for your career as a physician. It will help you gain the skills you need to achieve your short and long-term goals. Make sure you give this decision the time and preparation it deserves to ensure you find a career that matches your salary expectations and is a good culture fit.
