Career and Life Planning Workbook for Medical Residents

WWW . A D V E N T U R E S I N M E D I C I N E . C O M 21 Milestone Guidance Resource # Complete Date Start practicing Most residents graduate in June or July and are expected to start practicing in August. Some residents decide to take a few months off after residency before they begin practicing, starting in September or October. Select a specific start date. It will be the point from which you calculate all of your milestone target dates. Relocation It can take several weeks to receive quotes and select a relocation company. When the time comes to complete this step, be sure to understand exactly what relocation costs are covered by your employer, if any. Subtract six weeks from your start date to choose a relocation company. CL-04 Buy a home, if applicable According to bankrate.com, you should allow six months for purchasing a home. Buyers generally prioritize town first, neighborhood second, house third. Four months prior to buying a house, select a mortgage lender. CL-02 Get your finances in order with a spending, savings, and investment plan Every physician faces financial challenges, from struggling with a job change to paying off school loans. Although they might seem daunting from a distance, they’re not so scary when you know specifically what to expect and create a spending plan. E-29 Credentialing Each hospital has its own process to credential physicians. For a physician without background issues, the credentialing process takes about 60-120 days. S-01 Obtain license Obtaining a license varies state by state. In some states you can get a license within 60 days, while in other states it may take 6 to 12 months. Contact each state you are con- sidering practicing in. Determine the licensing requirements and timeframe for each. D-01 Study and take exams and boards Every state and residency program has different standards for USMLE and specialty boards. Passing your USMLE’s and Certifi- cation may require significant study time. Work with your residency coordinator to work in the dates and study plan to ensure you give yourself the best opportunity to succeed. CHAPTER 1 Job Search Timeline The 5 Phases Step 5: Transition Relocation Checklist Best Practices Choosing a Home Expense Worksheet Sample Credentialing Worksheets Resource

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