The mounting pressures in healthcare are driving physicians of many specialties to consider leaving private practice for the security of employment. Here, a gastroenterologist offers advice for physicians considering making this switch.
Ask a Gastroenterologist is a weekly series of questions posed to GI physicians around the country on business and clinical issues affecting the field of gastroenterology. We invite all gastroenterologists to submit responses.
Next week's question: What are the best strategies for improving patient engagement in gastroenterology?
Please submit responses to Carrie Pallardy at cpallardy@beckershealthcare.com by Wednesday, April 29, at 5 p.m. CST.
Larry Good, MD, FACG, founder, CEO Good Pharmaceutical Development, CEO, Compassionate Care Center of New York: The biggest challenge facing private gastroenterologists transitioning to an employed physician is loss of autonomy. Many physicians have practice models and schedules that are molded from their personalities, experiences and goals. Employed physicians have production quotas, human resource issues, EMR requirements and are subject to periodic review and criticism. A successful transition will allow the physician to embrace these changes recognizing the trade-offs with less business management and cash flow issues with the potential for more free time and less distractions.