(MINK Newsletter Submission 3/1/2003) 

PREPARING FOR THE INTERVIEW

Part II of a Series

By Kelly Ford, Sisters of Mercy Health System—St. Louis, MO 

Most physicians want to live in a resort setting with low cost of living, great schools, and a home overlooking the ocean or nestled away high up in the mountains, while working in a practice that has low managed care, enormous income potential and partnership after the first year.  The problem with this dream, of course, is that such settings are rare in the real world.  What you may actually need to consider is a stable practice with a solid referral network, a defined need for your specialty, and a community that meets your family’s needs.  Organizing your thoughts early in the process and prioritizing what you are looking for in the way of practice style, geographic location, and income expectations, is much more realistic. 

Interviewing effectively is anything but a passive process, and proper preparation can ensure your chances of success.  Prior to participating in your initial telephone interview, review your calendar for possible interview dates, just in case this turns out to be an opportunity that you would like to pursue. During the telephone interview, collect as much information as you can about the community, the practice, and remuneration.  If what you hear meets your expectations, and if an interview is scheduled, it’s time to begin preparing a more in-depth list of questions for your on-site visit.  This will ensure that you are equipped to gather enough additional information to make a more intelligent, a more conclusive determination about whether or not this particular opportunity is the right one for you and your family. Here are some suggestions: 

About the Practice:

·         What factors indicate the need for additional physicians?

·         How many physicians of your specialty are located in the community?

·         How much time do the physicians spend at there office, at the hospital, or at satellite offices?

·         How is each office equipped? How are they staffed?

·         Are the office locations convenient for both physicians and their patients?

·         What is the practice’s philosophy and style?

·         Who manages the office on a day-to-day basis?

·         What is the weekend and evening call schedule?

·         Are the cross covering physicians compatible?

·         What is the general age, training, and expertise of each physician in the practice?

·         What is the average number of patient visits per physician?

·         Are any physicians accepting new patients?

·         What is the average wait time for new patient appointments?

·         How does the practice assign patients?

·         What is the patient/payor mix?

·         What is the overhead and collection ratio for the practice?

·         What are the percentages of managed care, Medicaid, Medicare, etc?

·         What is the typical age, education, and socioeconomic level of the patients?

·         Are there adequate specialists for primary care physician referrals?

·         Are there sufficient primary care physicians for referral to the specialists?

·         What are the long-term goals of the practice? (Additional physicians, offices, hospitals)

·         Are there any anticipated retirements?

About the Community:

·         What is the community population and service area for your specialty?

·         Is the local population increasing or decreasing?

·         What are the demographics?

·         What are the local economic conditions?

·         Who are the major employers?

·         Describe the climate?

·         Is there a medical school nearby?

·         Are there cultural and recreational amenities for both you and your family?

·         How do the public schools rank compared to others in the state? In the nation?

·         Are private schools available?

·         Are there colleges and universities in the area?

·         Do the local religious facilities meet your needs?

·         Will there be employment opportunities for your spouse?

·         What is the average cost of living?

·         What is the average cost of housing?

About Salary and Partnership Potential:  

Resist the urge to bring up the subject of money until you have spent a day with the potential employer. Typically, the interviewing physician will bring this topic up near the end of the interview, but, if he doesn’t, be prepared to take the lead!  You may wish to say something like, “I’m very impressed with the practice, the physicians, and the community, and I would like to have a better understanding of the financial issues. Can we discuss this a bit before I leave?”

·         What is the starting salary?

·         Would the salary be increased the second year?

·         How will it be structured? Salary vs. income guarantee?

·         Is there a production bonus? If yes, how is it determined and when is it paid?

·         What benefits are provided: health, life, dental, disability, and malpractice insurance, CME, vacation, relocation, retirement, etc?

·         What could I expect to earn as a full partner?

·         When is partnership typically offered?

·         Is there a buy-in?  If yes, what are the terms? 

At the end of the interview, if you want the position, don’t be afraid to ask for it!  Express your enthusiasm and let them know that you are confident that you can be a productive member of the team.  Inquire about the next step. Should you expect a second interview before receiving a contract? 

Jot down the highlights of your visit, so that you don’t forget the details.  Contact the liaison or the practice representative as soon as you get home.  Send a letter of thanks!  If you met with a group of physicians and/or administrators, send a separate note to each person.  The courtesies you show will create a lasting impression, enhancing your chances of landing that dream job.