12 Steps for Choosing a Practice

July 24th, 2011 1 Min read 12 Steps for Choosing a Practice Blog
Download PDF Depending on your specialty and market conditions, you should begin seriously preparing for your first practice anywhere from one to two years prior to completion of your training. The following list will give you an idea of some of the steps necessary to complete so you can plan ahead. The most important thing to keep in mind is that you should start this process early—at least one year before you intend to start practicing—and allow yourself plenty of time to take care of each item.
  1. Draft your CV (by the beginning of your final year).
  2. Gather information about market trends in your specialty, malpractice insurance, DEA, and National Provider Identifier (NPI) registration.
  3. Complete your CV. Decide what areas of the country and what types of practices you want to explore.
  4. Begin to identify appropriate practices and/or hospitals for your interviews. Enlisting the help of a reputable search firm can be tremendously helpful with this step and should cost you nothing.
  5. Research licensing requirements in the states you are considering. Request applications and gather supporting documentation.
  6. Set up interviews with practices interested in you. These opportunities should meet your objectives in terms of geography and type of practice.
  7. Make travel plans and interview at desired locations.
  8. Have a second interview with top choices. Make sure that you get all the information you need about both the practice and the community to make your final decision.
  9. Tie up loose ends such as follow-up letters, references, licensure applications, etc., and think about your decision.
  10. Make a final decision.
  11. Negotiate a contract and commit to a practice.
  12. Complete hospital credentialing and state licensure.