Starting Your First Year of Practice

By Molly Ritsema, MD

Starting your first year of practice is both exciting and harrowing. Here are a few recommendations to help ease your way:

1. Do something special for yourself before starting your new job. Completing residency is the culmination of many years of hard work; however, starting your practice will be full of challenges. Therefore, make sure you treat yourself to a well-deserved gift after finishing residency. Whether it is a long vacation or a new car, it is time to pause and reward yourself for completing many years of schooling.


2. Negotiate. Many of us fear that as physicians our business skills are weak. If you feel comfortable negotiating your employment contract, congratulations. However, do not be shy about having someone negotiate on your behalf if necessary. Consider hiring a consultant.


3. Learn how to code. We all muddled through coding in residency, but now your coding skills will determine how much revenue you bring into your practice or how quickly you are flagged for an audit. The Academy has excellent coding classes. Take one!


4. Do not get lulled into complacency. Most likely you will not be very busy when you start practicing. Do not spend your down time catching up on the internet or going home early. Get out there and start networking with community physicians or optometrists. Volunteer your services for the Lions Club or community health fairs. Get your name out.

Do not forget to study for the Boards. These are the final hurdles toward becoming a board certified ophthalmologist. Balancing your new job and family can be hard enough, but make sure you take time to study for the Boards… the end is in sight!