Demonstrating Value at Your Job

The doctors first briefly discuss the process of obtaining a physician job. Dr. Simhan believes that physicians should negotiate their contracts only out of necessity. He encourages new attendings to demonstrate their own value to the administrators who create their contracts. Next, the doctors move onto advice for the first 3 months in a new job. Both doctors agree that the goal should be to learn who people are and earn their respect, whether they are residents, trainees, other attendings, nurses, MAs, or administrators. Dr. Simhan also emphasizes the importance of building your own cultural philosophy and deciding what you care about. Then, the doctors discuss the traditional 3 A’s: available, affable, and able. Dr. Simhan notes that for a new physician, availability and affability are probably more heavily weighted for new hires. Dr. Bagrodia believes that accountability should be the 4th A because physicians should know when to accept their mistakes and move forward. Finally, Dr. Simhan explains how he had to learn the landscape of his new department at Fox Chase Cancer Center in order to figure out how he could build and fit in his reconstructive urology program.

Finally, the doctors discuss how to engage in tactful self-promotion to demonstrate your value. Dr. Simhan explains that recognition is not a negative result to seek, as it can fuel your passion (e.g. bigger patient base, support for funding, etc.). He encourages doctors to have a personal website, to always update referring doctors after clinical visits and surgeries, and to be available to trainees and nurses. Additionally, Dr. Bagrodia advises physicians to meet with their department chairs and mentors to discuss progress and ask for help. He discourages physicians from giving unsolicited advice to their colleagues.

Finally, the doctors share some of their miscellaneous tips for demonstrating value within a hospital system. Dr. Bagrodia notes that it is helpful to be prepared with talking points, ideas, and solutions when meeting with hospital administrators. Dr. Simhan adds that it is important to fully commit to the responsibilities that you agree to take on.