3 Ways Job-Seeking Physicians Can Create Work-Life Balance
As the demands of healthcare ratchet up, the quest to achieve work-life balance becomes a holy grail for physicians seeking greater fulfillment and happiness in their careers.
As a physician, you’ve dedicated years to your education and training only to face an unrelenting work environment. Long hours, administrative burdens, and the constant pressure to deliver exceptional care can take a toll on even the most resilient doctor.
That’s why finding work-life balance is so important. Below you’ll find three considerations to keep in mind as you search for a job that will fulfill your personal and professional goals.
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Look for an Environment that Prioritizes Wellness
Physician burnout has been one of the most talked and written about issues for years now. It can lead to decreased job satisfaction, increased medical errors, and ultimately, poorer patient care.
To combat this scourge, find an employer who actively supports physician well-being. Here are 3 actions you can take to suss out potential employer’s views in this area.
Action Items
- In interviews, inquire about wellness programs. Does the hospital or practice offer stress management workshops, access to counseling services, or on-site fitness facilities?
- Investigate call schedules. Are call shifts evenly distributed? Are there options for night float coverage to minimize disruptions to personal time?
- Ask about parental leave policies. Does the employer offer generous parental leave for both mothers and fathers, allowing for a smoother transition back to work?
By prioritizing these issues during your job search, you’ll have a better chance of finding a workplace that prizes well-being.
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Seek Flexibility to Create Schedules that Work for You
In the past, a physician’s schedule was usually rigid, invariably demanding long and inflexible hours. However, the rise of telemedicine and evolving patient expectations have ushered in a new era of work flexibility.
This adaptability allows you to craft a schedule that will seamlessly integrate with your personal life. Here are a few ways to achieve balance through flexible work arrangements.
Action Items
- Explore part-time or locum tenens opportunities. Search locum tenens jobs. These options allow you to control your workload and create a schedule that accommodates your personal life.
- Ask about “compressed workweeks.” It may be possible to condense your working hours into fewer days, thus allowing for longer stretches of free time. Along similar lines, some medical specialties results in lack of sleep, so inquire about options, programs, or assistance in this regard.
- Inquire about telecommuting opportunities. Ask: “Can I manage administrative tasks or conduct follow-up consultations remotely, freeing up time for in-person patient interactions?”
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In the Final Analysis, It’s Really All About Support
Work-life balance extends beyond just finding helpful scheduling possibilities. It’s about finding an employer who truly cares about your health as a whole person. A supportive practice culture, robust administrative assistance, and access to mentorship programs can make a huge difference.
The following action items will help you identify practices that go beyond the basic paycheck and genuinely invest in your success.
Action Items
- Research the practice culture. If possible, talk to current or former employees to get a sense of the work environment. Does it feel collaborative and supportive, or is it more hierarchical and demanding?
- Find out about administrative support. Will you have adequate staff to manage paperwork and other non-clinical tasks, allowing you to focus on patient care?
- Investigate mentorship programs. Does the employer offer mentorship opportunities for new physicians, fostering a sense of community and professional development?
In today’s blazingly fast-paced field of medicine, in a world that is constantly changing, prioritizing work-life balance isn’t just a luxury for physicians—it’s a necessity.
By using a proactive approach during your job search, you can find a position that allows you to excel as both a doctor and an individual.
Remember, a balanced, well-rested physician is not only happier but also better equipped to deliver exceptional care to patients!
Written by Warren Goldie
