Career and Life Planning Guidebook for Medical Residents

R E A D : Finding An Onboarding Mentor The reason this book is of great value to you is because you are able to learn from those who have gone before you and glean from their triumphs as well as failures. There is great power inhavingamore experienced person lead the way. Understanding a typical employer onboarding process will prepare you for your first day, week, and month and will set the tone for your relationship with your future employer. Find someone in your new community who em- bodies the competencies of that Triple A physician. Be aware that this will take a fewweeks as you learn about your new environment. This person will be the best person you can look to for advice. When you have a problem, go to themand askwhat theywould do. If you have a tough case, bounce it off of them. There is no reason you have tomake these decisions alone. They can also help you navigate the social dynamics of your newwork environment. Strategically Selecting Your Obligations As a new physician, your presence is seen as a new opportunity for the hospital administration to ensure your organizational engagement. You may be approached to join multiple committees. No matter how good it makes you feel, be strategic in your decisions and resist the temptation to take on too much extracurricular work too soon. Committee work is often uncompensated – but is viewed as “good organizational citizenship.” As you begin your new job, a priority is to increase your productivity while maintaining a schedule that allows time with your family. Every additional obligation you take on at the hospital means personal time that will be sacrificed. When faced with these requests, it is important to ask the following questions: Why? Helps you contexulize the organizational importance of the committee. Who? Helps you understand who other committee members are to get a sense of the group dynamics. When? Helps you understand the expectations for meeting times and gives you an understanding of how this will impact your current schedule. How long? Gives you a sense of the length of the obligation. Taking this approach and asking these questions will help you to gather the information you will need to make the most informed decision about the potential obligation. The Transition 339 WWW.PHYSICIANCAREERPLANNING.COM