RT04: Fellowship to Clinical Practice: Keys to Success for Employed Urogynecologists

One of the trends in health care is the increase of Urogynecology specialists being employed by hospitals and large health care systems; rather than going into private practice. Many view this "shift" negatively--due to the potential for loss of autonomy, capped income potential and physician burnout. Urogynecologists receive extensive clinical and surgical training. Unfortunately, there's limited business training during residency and fellowship. With the proper personal development, business skills and mindset, employed Urogynecologists can successfully design a productive practice and work/life balance without burnout.

As an employed Urogynecologist for 20 years, the keys to success that I have learned from experience will be discussed/facilitated during this roundtable:

Successful contract negotiation

Building trust with the clinical practice leader/director and practice administrator

Focusing on increasing practice "value"--optimal clinical outcomes, productivity, patient and team satisfaction, growing referrals

Leveraging advanced practice clinicians

Knowing "the numbers"--compensation/bonus structure, work RVU targets, practice revenue billings/collections, new patient/ surgical volume growth

Leveraging medical/virtual scribes/EHR technology

Work/life balance--staying happy, preventing burnout, maximizing time off/CME

Personal development--avoiding unprofessional and unproductive behavior

Leveraging the office "A" team--for optimal work delegation and office efficiency

Developing an effective marketing plan--self/field/print/online/social media marketing and branding.

Embracing "intrapreneurship"--for success and fulfillment as an employed Urogynecologist.