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Together Women’s Health Continues Chicago Expansion, Affiliates with Women’s Health Consulting, Representing the Third Affiliation in Illinois →
TWH Continues Chicago Expansion, Affiliates with Women’s Health Consulting →
Together Women’s Health has been named to the 2024 Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing companies in America!
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New Associate Insights with Dr. Natasha Rich, MD
Choosing the right career path as a physician can be daunting. In this interview, we gain valuable insights from a recent OBGYN graduate who shares their journey and advice for navigating the diverse landscape of medical employment options.
Q. How much did you know about the different employment options available as a physician?
A. I think I had a surface level knowledge about employment options, I only saw two silos of “academic medicine” and “private practice.” I did not realize that there was in fact a huge variety of employment options- employment by university, employment by hospital system, small group private practice, large group practice, each with specific offshoots within these categories.
Q. How did you educate yourself on the different employment models out there?
A. Mostly through conversations with mentors! I found it highly valuable to talk to seasoned physicians who have participated in a variety of practice settings and could give honest advice about the pros and cons of each.
Q. Why did you choose to pursue a career in private practice rather than working in a hospital or other healthcare setting?
A. I found private practice was most suitable to my personality. I liked the idea of an intimate group of coworkers who are all invested in each other and their practice being the best it can be. I also appreciated the autonomy and creativity that joining a private practice could afford. I found no other employment model could offer that to the degree private practice could.
Q. What do you see as the biggest advantages of working in private practice environment?
A. Much of what I mentioned above, the autonomy and the creativity. For example, the group I am joining had the ingenuity and opportunity to obtain their own mammogram machine in office and offer same day mammogram services during well woman visits. A win-win for patient convenience and maximizing the economy of the practice. I felt these were the kind of things that could be more easily achieved in the private practice environment.
Q. Any challenges or concerns you originally had about working in a private practice setting?
A. I had fears regarding losing the intellectual stimulation that one constantly gets during training as a resident physician. My fears were quickly quelled as my group strongly encourages pursuing passions in and out of medicine, keeps each other up to date, and offers benefits for continuing education.
Q. What did you initially think about Northwestern Specialists for Women affiliation with TWH?
A. Initially, I really didn’t have much of an opinion as I wasn’t aware of the logistics of what such an affiliation meant. The main thing I was hoping was that it did not interfere with the group’s daily practice of medicine.
Q. Have those feelings changed since learning more about the affiliation?
A. Since learning more about TWH, I was happy to learn that the partnership was truly that, a partnership! The healthcare providers have the freedom of time to practice evidence-based medicine as they see fit, and TWH takes care of the heavy lifting on the business end of things when it comes to HR, billing, training, etc. I was also excited about additional benefits from the affiliation like the opportunity to complete the “mini MBA” academy.
Q. Any strategies or resources you found helpful in your job search and interview process?
A. Cast a wide net. Look at ACOG job listings online, attend career fairs and networking events, talk to recently graduated residents, work with a recruiter you trust. When it comes to recruiters, a good fit is key, and make sure they are employed by a company where they are not dependent on you taking a position to receive a commission or bonus. Remember taking phone calls to talk and get to know someone or discuss an opportunity is not binding, be professional and courteous but don’t feel obligated to stick with someone that doesn’t feel right.
Q. What is one piece of advice would you give to other physicians who career searching?
A. Follow your gut. Everyone has different priorities for their lifestyle and goals. One person may be willing to forego a higher base salary for city living and ancillary benefits, where another loves small town outdoors and prioritizes maximizing salary above other benefits. Don’t let someone else’s values guide your career decision.
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