ACP: Career Counseling Timeline

Residents & Fellows

Resident Career Timeline

12 to 16 months prior to practice (or fellowship)	Plan a career strategy Planning a Career Strategy Types of Private Practices Hospital Sponsored Practices Managed Care Practice and its Variations Locum Tenens Government Employment Opportunities Clinician-Teacher Careers Hospitalist Career A Look at Five Career Options in Internal Medicine Collect data on regional workforce statistics and compensation Workforce Issues: Where the Jobs Are Practice Data on Working Hours, Patient Visits, Income Gather information on community demographics Community Demographic Analysis Research Fellowship opportunities and training requirements Information about Subspecialty Careers and Certificates of Added Qualifications Fellowship Training Requirements Begin application process to Fellowship programs Gather sources of information about opportunities Resources to Find the Right Job Opportunity Begin to "market yourself" by improving your qualifications Make Yourself More Marketable Begin studying for the ABIM Certifying Examination Board Review Strategies Annotated Board Review Guide Determining the Pass-Fail Standards for the Boards and Disclosing Examination Results
9 to 12 months prior to practice (or fellowship)	Identify specific practice opportunities Physician Search Firms Prepare CV and resume How to Write a Resume, Curriculum Vitae, and Cover Letter Sample Resume Sample Curriculum Vitae Request letters of recommendation Soliciting Letters of Recommendation Interview Interview Tips Understand physician compensation methods Physician Compensation Methods Understanding Capitation Assessing Managed Care Reimbursement Adequacy Medicare Financing and Payments Medicare Claims Processing Assessing the Financial Solvency of a Managed Care Organization
6 to 9 months prior to practice (or fellowship)	Assess your compensation and benefit needs Worksheet to Help You Assess Your Compensation and Benefits Negotiate your contract Assessing the Contract Restrictive Covenants Begin work on "practice paperwork" Practice Paperwork State Educational Requirements for Medical Licensing Select Office Equipment Basic Shopping List for Opening Up a Medical Practice Medical Informatics Decide on office size and staff Deciding on Office Staff Size Begin looking for a new home Buying a Home Debt Management
3 months prior to practice (or fellowship)	Finalize your contract A Last Look at the Contract Arrange for malpractice coverage Malpractice Insurance Arrange for other insurance needs Life Insurance Arrange for retirement planning Retirement Planning Begin advertising Arrange for movers Moving Complete "practice paperwork"