Oncelor Posted October 25, 2014 Share Posted October 25, 2014 I have been offered 2 jobs, both nice part time opportunities but they could not be more different! The first is a busy, well-regarded Ortho practice, (MD owned), working with a great surgeon. The practice has 6 PA's and uses them to full capacity, and appreciates them. It would mean busy, full days seeing pts and some hospital rounds, no call. They will tell me when I am needed to work and want me full time but I can't give that right now. It is a very prestigious practice in our town. Being a physician-owned practice, it is very money-focused (in the words of one PA employed there). The second is a rural health clinic, hospital owned, working with DO's and some NP's. It seems more flexible letting me set my own hours. I would work half family planning (including some time at a local university) and half time in medicine. The clientele is primarily medicaid pts. I have opportunity to be mentored in medicine which is lacking in my experience. Working under a DO means no prescribing privileges. Not sure if they have a willing MD to take on my supervision. Being hospital owned has a different feel, it seems less focus on the bottom line. I am re-entering the work force after raising 5 kids. My experience has been in women's health and ortho (although that has only been in pre-operative scut and paperwork). Both offer mentoring to get me up to speed. Both salaries and benefits are competitive however the ortho offers productivity bonuses that are really nice. I am wondering which would further my career and make me more marketable in the future? My lack of general medicine experience is a concern to me. Orthopedics is pretty narrow but I hate to pass up the chance to be associated with such a good practice experience. Both jobs have pros and cons that seem equal! My peers see my personality as laid back and some say the rural clinic, others see the frustration of working with that clientele and recommend the ortho! So I throw this out to the PA community-- give me any opinion! I am going back and forth and my future marketability is a concern. My quality of life is also to be considered, I still have 2 children at home, and I cherish my part-time life. So far no clear answers. I am shadowing both clinics and will make my decision next week. Thank yo so much for any input! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Paula Posted October 25, 2014 Share Posted October 25, 2014 I think it would hamper you to have no prescribing privileges. What state are you in? It is odd to me that you can't prescribe when working with a DO. FInd an MD who will be your SP if you go the rural clinic. Rural clinic has some advantages if you are allowed to work to the highest extent of your license, which should mean prescribing. I work rural and have an autonomous practice and consult with the MD as needed. I see lots of stuff other PAs/NPs wouldn't see as difficult cases would get triaged to the MD in any other larger practice. It is an opportunity for you to learn medicine if you have the right SP. Future marketability could include FP,IM,peds, urgent care, or some medical specialties. Ortho could make you marketable in other surgical specialties. What do you want to do: Surgery or Medicine? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KMD16 Posted October 26, 2014 Share Posted October 26, 2014 ^ solid advise. Agreed! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Oncelor Posted October 26, 2014 Author Share Posted October 26, 2014 Thanks for the information. That kind of opinion is what I am looking for since it's hard for me to see the whole picture, especially with my limited career experience. I am looking for a more medical oriented career but the prestige and chance to work with a really good surgeon gives me pause. I live in Pennsylvania and the Osteopathic board is a little more strict with PA's. Maybe I am misinterpreting the law so I'll be sure to look into this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Paula Posted October 26, 2014 Share Posted October 26, 2014 Check the interactive scope of practice tab that is pinned on this site. PA has more restrictions and you need to check out the details. Have you contacted your state chapter to ask questions? In MI MD/DOs have the same rules for PAs and they each have their own board. A change was made in our ability to prescribe schedule II drugs in 2011 and somehow when it all went through the legislature, DOs weren't mentioned. So pharmacies wouldn't fill scripts if you had a DO collaborator. It was fixed but you see how details need to be watched in legislation. Check the details in your state! Let us know what you decide. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.