LIFE AFTER RESIDENCY / Job Search

       Here is a list of helpful items that may guide the process of post-residency life. This consists of BOARDS, job search, and FELLOWSHIP options (bottom). The APMA also provides resources for new physicians here. Furthermore, Student Doctor Network offers a good thread on "The Job Search Thread: Tips, Tricks, and Experiences" which may be worth a review. 
  • If you are interested in fellowships in podiatry/foot and ankle surgery, click here! 
  • If you are interested in starting your own practice, click here!

                 While you are preparing your application information, consider reading the following article from Dr. Lowell Weil JR from Podiatry Today:
                                                                               Are Residencies Really Preparing Doctors for Practice?
Podiatric Physician Career Adviser - Services Provided
       This process can be time consuming both for you the resident, and also your busy attendings who you may look to for help to review documents. To that end, I (Hood CR) provide services for:
  • Resume and Cover Letter Review
  • Contract Review services as a review "by podiatrist, for podiatrist."
    • ​Contract Review for Residents and Fellows
    • Contract Review for Established Physicians 
​                                                   See more information on this at SHERWOOD ACRES LLC.
Boards:
  • During the spring of your PGY-3 year you will take a boarding exam either ABFAS or ABPM.
  • ABFAS - Board Qualifying Exam
    • ​(1) Forefoot (FF) and (2) Reconstructive Rearfoot/Ankle Surgery (RRA) 
  • More on Boards here
Job Search - Read These First:
  • Read These THREE Items to Read !!!
    • "When To Do What In Your Job Search" via PracticeLink (link) (pfd)
    • "ACP - Physician Employment Contract Guide 2017" via American College of Physicians (link) (pdf)
      • Despite a "contract" guide, this includes many points that aid in figuring out if the Employer is right for you and tools to use throughout the job search/interview process.
    • "The Ultimate Job Search Guide for Residents" via PracticeLink (link) (pdf)
      • ​Job-Search To-Do Checklist (jpg)
  • When should you start? NOW (regardless of PGY-year)...
    • The big question:
      • What kind of job do you want (i.e., practice type)? Do you want the "best job" (ex. What you specifically want to be doing, highest salary, best practice/name) or "best fit for me job"?
        • Each option comes with its own +/- and concessions.
      • VS.
      • Were do you want to live / the "environment"?
        • Working vs. Living Environment (there is a difference!)
      • VS. (maybe...?)
      • Do you want to do a fellowship?
  • Secondary Items:

​Watch This Video:
Read This Book:
Job Resources (Where to Find DPM Jobs):
    Here are a list of websites that regularly post positions in podiatry. Though the websites are a good starting point, nothing helps more than word of mouth and making personal connections throughout ones residency experience. The website On Podiatry also has a comprehensive list to view.    
 Other resources that are helpful to consider:
  • Personal Contacts - this includes family, friends, mentors, attendings, medical device reps (ask them to contact in different territories)
  • Conferences - APMA, ACFAS (Career Fair),  PPMA/Goldfarb, etc
  • Google Maps
    • Search on google maps in a specific region key words like "podiatry," "podiatrist," "foot and ankle doctor," "orthopaedics," "hospitals," etc in order to create a list of potential targets to send resumes and information to.​

Physician recruiters are another method to find jobs. Sometimes you can find a recruiter agency to assist in finding jobs, some may reach out to you if your resume is "public" on the internet (ie. DocCafe.com or MDJobSite.com), or some may be contracted by the Employer to act as an 'in-house' or 'on-retainer' recruiter. Each has their positives and negatives. Due your research into who you are using, why you are using them, what their benefit is, and how they are being compensated for their "work."
 Job Search Prep - Resume/Cover Letter, Interviews and Visitation, and Contract Prep/Review:
       Below are some articles I found that might be helpful to consider when looking for a job. This includes things about how to put together your resume and cover letter, Employment Agreements and contract negotiation, ​things to look for in a practice, etc. Click these links for more information on COVER LETTER/RESUME and CONTRACT REVIEW. Remember to look at the job and negotiation from both sides, you as the prospective employee and also the employer who is looking to add a new associate. Talk to co-residents or classmates going through the same process to see what their contracts are like.
       In my opinion, do not be afraid to discuss salary (base, collection thresholds, percent bonus, ancillary revenue) and other contract points with your colleagues. Each job and location with garner different figures. However, knowing what others are getting (for better or worse), may help you realize if you are getting a "fair deal" or not, or may help you (or a friend) negotiate to a better contract. Transparency here among peers will only help the profession and hopefully advance salary level for everyone.

Resume and Cover Letter​
  • ​Please visit the dedicated page to this topic HERE. 

​Interview/Visits
​Contract (i.e, "Employment Agreement")
       It is always recommended to educate yourself about the different components of the contract. There are many online resources available, some listed on the CONTRACT page . It is always recommended to have a contract lawyer who specializes in medical/physician employment agreements review the contract so you can understand some of the "legal verbiage" unfamiliar to us doctors.
       I also recommended having someone within the field of podiatry review the contract, whether it is an attending, residency / fellowship director, or a co-resident or friend who went through the process and has some experience. There are many contract points that are specific for a "Podiatry Employment Agreement" that a lawyer (a) may not be familiar with, (b) do not understand it, (c) do not know to look for it (if it is missing), (d) make you aware it is missing or unclear, and so on,based on their lack of knowledge in the field. 
       Remember...
  • Lawyers are good at explaining the legal wording of the contract and general physician contract points.
  • Podiatrist are good at explaining the points needed in the contract or to be explained specific to working in a podiatry practice.​
   To that end, I (Hood CR) provide contract review service as a review "by podiatrist, for podiatrist." 
​See more information on this at PODIATRIC PHYSICIAN CAREER SERVICES.