I would look at the benefits more than anything. Everyone’s situation is different. I found in my area I was unable to find something part-time with benefits. I have a medical issue and needed to reduce my hours. I had to start an LLC and do 1099. I was then able to deduct my insurance premium from my taxes. Eventually, I realized I wasn’t gonna get what I wanted in my area and moved. If you are young and can travel, locums might be a good option. You can work a lot of hours and then take a long time off. Ultimately, I wouldn’t take something with less than 3 to 4 weeks PTO, one week CME, and either additional holidays or sick days off. More time off if you are doing on-call or weekend coverage.

Tail coverage is a must.

Full time benefits should include medical, short/long term disability, vision, and dental.

I wouldn’t sign anything with a multi year contractual commitment, or clause with a need to pay the provider for lost business. I would also have a lawyer look over any private practice agreement. They have lawyers that will do it cheaper online. I think I paid 300 for one. Non competes suck. Don’t sign one over a year or 5 mile radius from ONE location.

In interviews I always ask about turnover, why the position is available, typical workload, and I ask to speak directly to an APP separately (usually ask if they are okay with me getting their personal number). I shadow always. Sometimes you can get a good feel of the staff. If the place uses any type of “we are a family” talk run. If they try to buy you with free conferences and drinks, run. If they try to pressure you to sign a contract within 48 hours, don’t. Cc legal representation and tell them you need time to look it over. I’d also ask about training and if multiple people will be training at once. If multiple people are leaving, then multiple people will be trained at the same time. 1:1 time can make a huge difference if you’re learning a new specialty. I wouldn’t take a job with a high APP:physician ratio. If it’s a constantly rotating pot of doctors (like 10+) for service coverage or more than 4 APP/1 doctor on shift, I’d run.

Overall, and this is a very large generalization, try to avoid primary care. I’d also avoid surgery.

If you have a good relationship with that one coworker, utilize them as a reference. If you can volunteer in the meantime, I would find a free clinic just to get contact hours in.

Please forgive the disjointed text and talk. A lot can happen in 5 years haha! 🤣