A “group-oriented” physician is usually one who:

a. Seeks the greatest possible control over his/her practice setting.
b. Enjoys competition and strives to outperform others.
c. Genuinely enjoys working with colleagues.
d. Conducts exams with multiple patients simultaneously.

The correct answer is (c). Your personality will play a major role in determining potential fit. If you’re “group-oriented,” you’re likely to be a physician who:

• Is consistently loyal, feels a strong sense of obligation and responsibility, consistently minimizes personal needs in favor of others’ needs when necessary, and values team-centered accomplishments as much as your accomplishments as an individual.
• Genuinely enjoys working with colleagues, enjoys the company of the others, is tolerant of lessers, and thrives in interaction with others.
• Has minimal need for personal control, is open-minded, and has the ability to compromise when necessary.
• Is patient, able to control emotions, communicates effectively, is even-tempered and sensitive to the feelings and concerns of others.
• Approaches problems more logically than emotionally.
• Has a positive outlook and confronts problems as potential victories rather than likely defeats.

Group practice is not for everyone, so don’t assume that just because everyone else in your program is going group that you should be a groupie too. Although some physicians can be successful in either group or solo settings, most will be better suited to one setting or the other. In some cases, this suitability doesn’t become obvious until after completing the first few years in practice. As a result, it’s best to maintain flexibility and prepare for the possibility that your ideal practice setting may change once you’re out there. If you’re honest with yourself and carefully compare your needs with what a group has to offer, you’ll make a good decision.

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From Future Focus®