When Dr. D began her residency training in family medicine, she dreamed of bringing new life into the world and planned to pursue an OB fellowship. She was eager to work with expectant mothers, building trusting relationships and sharing meaningful moments as she guided them toward joyful deliveries of healthy babies. However, when the practice she joined during residency told her they would mentor her and proctor her C-sections, it sounded like the perfect first physician job and alternative to a fellowship.
Unfortunately, Dr. D soon discovered that the training she was promised would not come. Stress began to build as a result of not feeling properly supported, the long hours worked, and always being on call. While OB was the path she originally wanted to take, the role became untenable. Dr. D needed to make a change — and fast. Her patients deserved the opportunity to build trust with a new provider as early in their pregnancies as possible.
Finding the Right Guide for a New Beginning
As for Dr. D’s next physician job search, she decided to focus on outpatient primary care. She needed someone she could trust to guide her toward this new beginning. She decided to reach out to Jackson Physician Search to explore options and leverage the expertise of a dedicated recruiter. From there, Dr. D was delighted to connect with Director of Recruiting Josue Alva. Josue listened to how her priorities in a role have evolved since her first physician job search, as well as what she needs for long-term career satisfaction.
Dr. D was thrilled to find an opportunity waiting for her at a new, 90,000-square-foot family medicine clinic in Stanton, TX. The role would allow her to care for patients across their lifespan, with no obstetrics or call responsibilities, providing an incredible work-life balance coupled with the ability to form lasting patient relationships, which ultimately fueled her sense of purpose. As a cherry on top, the position would also bring her closer to her significant other in nearby Odessa.
Josue quickly scheduled a phone interview with the clinic’s CEO, a warm, thoughtful woman who immediately put Dr. D at ease. She loved the practice leader’s openness and was confident that the team would provide her with the mentorship she needed to successfully transition to family practice, along with support to help her navigate challenges. It seemed like the perfect match. Dr. D canceled her other interviews and scheduled an on-site meeting.
Old Doubts Cloud New Horizon
The facility was beautiful, and the team was as welcoming as Dr. D had hoped. The CEO’s supportive leadership style was even more impressive in person and was reinforced in the conversations she had with the physicians at the practice. This was the kind of culture she was looking for, and the stunning new building was a perfect metaphor for Dr. D’s fresh start. Everything came together, including the job offer, which the organization extended that day.
However, soon after receiving the offer, Dr. D’s worries began to creep in. Was she moving too fast? Would she make the same mistake again? Would it be better to wait and see what else might be out there?
She called Josue and suggested they put a pause on the process. She wanted to move fast, but this seemed too fast.
Striking Oil on the Second Try
Josue listened to Dr. D’s concerns and helped her understand them. He asked her about her goals and dreams, and the conversation turned to Odessa, where she had found love and could see herself building a future. Josue reassured Dr. D that if this was moving too fast, he could get her more time. If she was worried about history repeating itself, he reminded her of the CEO’s open-door policy, which assured her that she would have excellent professional and personal guidance. Josue was also able to negotiate a few deal sweeteners, including student loan repayment and a flexible start date that would allow her to participate as a bridesmaid in an upcoming wedding.
With a few additional tweaks to her contract, Dr. D did not doubt that she had found her own fortune in Texas oil country. More importantly, she learned her own roughneck lesson. Sometimes you hit oil, sometimes you hit water. But when you find the right crew and the right ground, it’s worth drilling that second well.
Whether you are a resident seeking your first physician job or have years of experience, the recruitment team at Jackson Physician Search is eager to help you realize your professional vision. Contact us today or start searching for physician jobs online now.
