FP/IM vs Endocrinology

[J. Leaulite]

I am a new graduate looking at positions in my area. The fact of the matter is that Primary Care positions are in short supply and the ones that are available all want experienced people to come in (and there are a lot of them here).

 

Meanwhile specialty clinics are generally open to training new graduates.

 

I've recently had the opportunity to take a position in Endocrinology. The pay/hours/benefits appear to be good, but I am worried that it would narrow me down too early in my career. It's a M-F position, so I considered the possibility of landing a part time position in an UC clinic while working this position (at a later time).

 

I have had conflicting advice, some saying to take the position for experience and transfer out in a year or two (or when the opportunity opens up in my area), and others telling me to hold out longer (I have been holding out for several months already) for a FP/IM position to open up.

 

Obviously, with my inexperience with these matters, I wanted to reach out to some more experienced individuals to understand what may be the most prudent course of action.

[winterallsummer]

I am a new grad (taking boards soon) in midst of a job search myself but my opinion is that a year of endo could not possibly hurt you if you want to go into IM/FP and it would definitely help. You are still learning to treat PTs yourself and the bread and butter of endo is also heavy in FM (thyroid, DM) plus you'd learn to deal with stuff even seasoned FM PAs may know less of. And a lot of presentations are the same so you'd learn an endo work up and learn about nearby practices via referrals.

 

I'd say if everything about the job looks good as far as contract pay atmosphere doc etc and YOU would be happy then go for it. It can only help and definitely won't hurt.