whoknew9023 Posted February 25, 2015 Share Posted February 25, 2015 Hey all, Need thoughts on taking call for a week every six weeks… For a GI group New grad… Really don't know how this works… need your thoughts, advice, experience..! Your responses are much appreciated!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
electric130 Posted February 26, 2015 Share Posted February 26, 2015 I am so surprised by how many new grads are being asked to take call. I did not start taking call until 2 years into practice, and then it only during the day while I was doing rounds, never at home during off hours or at night. I would ask what hours you are responsible for (nights and evenings really suck) and what type of back up you will have. Also ask if you are covering admissions for the ER, you will have to make important clinical decisions and possibly do admissions orders. Again, not easy for at least your first 6 months of practice. I will be honest, I would not have been comfortable taking call for at least the first year out of school, especially in a specialty. If you have any say in the matter you could always see if they will at least give you six months to get a little bit of experience under your belt. I also would ask about compensation. If it isn't already in your contract that you agreed to this figure out a fair way to be compensated. I don't think it should be assumed that we will take call. We make a fraction of what most Docs make, that is all well and good, but it irritates me when they expect us to function and be just as available as they are but do not want to compensate us for that. From experience once you agree to something it is really hard to back pedal and say I just really don't want to do this. Think this through and get a clear picture of what is expected and if you have any flexibility with it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whoknew9023 Posted February 26, 2015 Author Share Posted February 26, 2015 Thank you for your reply electric130! Actually… i wanted to get a feel for what experienced PAs have to say.. I have not agreed to anything… including compensation. I will def come back here with the specifics for more input. I think one whole week of call is tough especially if that includes nights or off hours. I really don't know whats fair compensation… that is why i am here asking.. I know what the AAPA report says regarding 0-4 years experience compensation for IM- GI specialty PAs but I'm sure that does not factor in inpatient + outpatient + surgeries + call etc… Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderator ventana Posted February 26, 2015 Moderator Share Posted February 26, 2015 New grads )first 6-12 months should NEVER take call (well almost never) After this it needs to be COMPENSATED unless you are on a productivity pay schedule and even then their needs to be equity in the practice. The death of the physician owned practice, means the doc's are now looking at simply quality of life and trying to push this off on others. It is okay to take call and I believe it is part of being a provider. BUT if you are a paid employee this is a SERIOUS amount of give up on quality of life. it should be compensated, and limited. Especially with the bigger hospital owned practices that are making $$$ - heck they should be paying nicely to have someone on call as the only ones seemingly making money is these huge practices that are more business then medical practice. NEVER just agree to take call with out it spelled out in a contract. You are giving up on your free time and that is worth $$$ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
delco714 Posted February 26, 2015 Share Posted February 26, 2015 I took call starting my second month as a new grad in urology. It was anxiety producing and maybe a little rough for the first few months. There's always decisions I CAN'T make even if I know the answers. Some calls are best left to the M.D.that's a different story. I agree, best way is to get the experience under your belt before you take call.. it'll be best for everyone involved. And yes you need to be compensated if it's after hours or weekends. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whoknew9023 Posted March 4, 2015 Author Share Posted March 4, 2015 Thank you all for your advice! It is much appreciated! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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