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
- A Look at Five Career Options in Internal Medicine
Collect data on regional workforcestatistics and compensation
- Types of Private Practices
- Hospital Sponsored Practices
- Managed Care Practice and its Variations
- Locum Tenens
- Government Employment Opportunities
- Clinician-Teacher Careers
- A Look at Five Career Options in Internal Medicine
Research Fellowship opportunities and training requirements, and begin application process
- Information about Subspecialty Careers and Certificates of Added Qualifications
- Fellowship Training Requirements
Gather sources of information about opportunities
Begin to "market yourself" by improving your qualifications
Begin studying for the ABIM Certifying Examination
9 to 12 Months Prior to Practice (or fellowship)
Identify specific practice opportunities
Prepare CV and Resume
Request Letters of Recommendation
Interview
Understand physician compensation methods
6 to 9 Months Prior to Practice (or fellowship)
Assess your compensation and benefit needs
Negotiate your contract
Begin work on "practice paperwork"
Select Office Equipment
Decide on office size and staff
3 to 6 Months Prior to Practice (or fellowship)
Finalize your contract
Arrange for malpractice coverage
Begin advertising
Complete "practice paperwork"
The Residency Career Timeline can also be found on page 19 of the Young Physician Practice Management Survival Handbook.

ACP Career Connection's
Job Search Advantage
Search for jobs that suit your internal medicine and/or specialty career path. Register as a Job Seeker for additional benefits.
- Build, edit and store your Job Seeker Profile
- Select Early Job Notifier to have job alerts e-mailed to you
Related Links
Resident/Fellow Member Benefits: ACP offers Resident/Fellow Membership for internal medicine residents and subspecialty fellows-in-training.
Join ACP: Take advantage of members only benefits by becoming a Resident/Fellow member of ACP today.
Connect with your peers
Join this ACP members-only virtual community to connect with other residents and fellows.
Find a Mentor
Find an experienced physician who can answer your questions about internal medicine.
Volunteer through ACP
ACP recognizes the importance of volunteerism and community service at both the national and local levels as part of its commitment to universal access to health care. View current volunteer opportunities and network with other ACP member volunteers today.
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