Newly-trained physicians in high demand

Demand for medical doctors is so high that half of new doctors report receiving 100 or more job offers during training, according to a survey by Merritt Hawkins.

The Dallas-based physician search firm surveyed 926 MDs in their final year of residency and asked them about their career plans and expectations. Seventy percent of the new doctors said they received 50 or more job solicitations, while 50% said they received 100 or more solicitations.

“The search for newly trained physicians is on the verge of becoming a feeding frenzy,” said Mark Smith, president of Merritt Hawkins.  “There are simply not enough physicians coming out of training to go around.”

Primary care residents, including those in family medicine, internal medicine and pediatrics, are particularly sought after, the survey shows. Seventy-six percent of primary care residents received 50 or more job solicitations during their training while 78% of psychiatry residents received 50 or more job solicitations.  

The survey also shows that a majority of newly trained physicians would prefer to be employed and that few seek an independent, private practice setting. Of those seeking employment, 41% prefer employment with a hospital, while 34% prefer employment with a medical group. Only 1% prefer a solo practice.

The availability of free time is the number one consideration of most residents, explaining in part their preference for employment, which offers more regular schedules than does private practice, the survey found.

Source: HealthLeaders Media