The Practice Interview - Keys to Success - University of Utah ...

The
Practice Interview
David E. Anisman, M.D.
Medical Director
University of Utah Health Care
Centerville Community Clinic
Objectives
• Identify key factors important to understand
about each potential employment opportunity
• Be able to anticipate what types of questions
you will be asked
• Understand how to prepare a list of questions
you should ask
• Be aware of resources to help you prepare for a
practice interview
Why do physicians
leave a practice?
• Not a good fit with the group 51%
• To relocate near family 42%
• Compensation 32%
• Spouse’s job 22%
• Relocate to another geographic area 20%
• Incompatible work/call schedule 17%
AMGA Survey : 2007
Overview
• Basics
• Types of questions you will be
asked
• Questions you should ask
• What resources are out there for
you?
• Keys to success
What are the basics?
• Be on time! Plan ahead! Know where to go, who
you are to see and who to call for problems
• Dress professionally
• Take your spouse or significant other, if possible
• Be prepared with clean copies of your CV, names,
addresses and contact info for your references.
• Check out the organization or practice on the
Internet
• Take notes, write down questions
• Always ask something!
Additional Factors in
Decisions to Leave
• Institutional or departmental
leadership issues
• Partner relationships
• Level of autonomy
• Resources for practice or research
• Patient volume/ payer mix
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Why do physicians
fail in practice?
• Unable to accept feedback
• Unable to manage emotions (anger)
• Lack of motivation to excel in the position
• Wrong temperament for the job
• Lack necessary technical skills “Of course, with the position that has the benefits –
medical, dental, et cetera – there is no salary.”
Factors to assess at each
interview
• Hours/ vacation/CME
• Call responsibilities
• Salary Guarantee
• Compensation and benefits/retirement
• Malpractice coverage/ other insurance
• Loan repayment options
Autonomy
– What is the leadership or
governance structure?
– What are the
organizational values?
– Are there leadership
development
opportunities?
Additional factors
• Is there overhead assessment?
• Is there contract renewal every year?
• What other responsibilities are there?
• How are payer contracts negotiated?
• Who oversees billing
Financial Factors
• Is the organization stable financially?
– How about market share?
– What is the competition?
– What is the payer mix?
• What is the compensation plan?
– Is there a salary guarantee?
– Is there a partnership buy-in or guarantee
pay back?
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Support
• What is the support staff ratio?
– What type of support is provided?
– How are staff hired and managed?
– What is the turnover rate or satisfaction level
of staff?
• What about office space, OR time,
equipment?
Specialty Specific Factors
• Surgical Specialties – OR time, OR equipment,
referral base, call expectations.
• Radiology – Call coverage, teleradiology,
interventional opportunities, age and type of
equipment
• Primary Care – support staff, documentation
and billing practices, EMR, call and hospital
responsibilities
What will they ask?
• Behavioral based questions – “Describe a
situation where…” or “Tell me about a time
when…”
• Looking for
– Team player
– Leadership abilities
– Flexibility
– Patience/ Caring
– Respect for others
– Ability to see the “big picture”
Satisfaction
Is provider satisfaction being
measured?
– How satisfied are the providers
with their practice?
– What is the turnover rate?
– Are you able to meet and talk
to the other providers?
Academic Practices
• Faculty appointments
• Retention and promotion requirements
• Research opportunities
• Teaching responsibilities
Why are you the right person for this job?
What do you bring to the practice
that is special or unique?
– New or special skill
– Research interest
– Teaching interests
– Interest in practice innovation
– Interest in improved quality of care
for patients
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Outside interests
What do you do to relax?
– Looking for someone who
is well rounded
– Able to relieve stress
– Takes the initiative to
develop a hobby or interest
outside of work
What about references?
• The references you provide will be asked
about:
– Educational achievements and technical
skills
– Emotional intelligence
– Coachability
– Motivation
– Interpersonal skills
Resources
• www.aafp.org
– Practice set-up and management help
– Coding and documentation resource
– Practice Assessment
• www.facs.org
– Surgical practice management
– Surgical coding information
• www.monster.com
– Job resources and information
Social Concerns
What about spouse/ significant
other and family concerns?
– Education
– Jobs/Career opportunities
– Housing
– Recreation
Resources
• www.memag.com
– Modern Medicine Magazine by Medical
Economics
– Practice management information
• www.acponline.org
– Internal medicine organization
– Practice start up tips
– New focus on practice management
Resources
May require membership
• www.mgma.com – Practice survey data
• www.acpe.org – Medical management courses
• www.ama-assn.org – Practice set – up and
management assistance
• www.amga.org – Association of medical groups
with educational meetings regarding practice
redesign and health care reform
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Summary
• Keep track of the information from your
interviews
• Create a scorecard for yourself if you are visiting
a number of places (see sample handout in
syllabus)
• Try to develop an understanding of the culture of
the organizations you visit
• Prepare your questions
• Use the resources to help you prepare
What else?
• Practice!!!
• Do a mock interview
• Send a thank you
note or e-mail to
each person you
meet.
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