GUIDE FOR APPLYING TO PRIMARY CARE/URGENT CARE/HOSPITALIST JOBS

Please see this illustrious guide to Finding the Right Job in Primary Care prepared by the illustrious Dr. Ronald Laracuente!

TIMELINE BY YEAR

This timeline is specific for general pediatric clinical jobs (primary care, urgent care, hospitalist). If interested in general pediatric or non-clinical academic fellowships, see THIS SPREADSHEET.

Intern Year

  • Update CV at end of year

 Junior Year

  • Update CV

  • Use elective time to shadow at different practices and meet with PCPs in different settings

  • Consider having ADB and/or call-free elective in summer or fall in order to have ample time for exploring job opportunities (takes a lot more meetings and groundwork than checking boxes on ERAS!) and interviewing (especially if planning to interview outside of Boston

Senior Year

●      SUMMER

  • Compile list of where to apply

    • See THIS SPREADSHEET for some primary care mentors/contacts in the Boston area (updated 1/2024)

    • The Saturday “Progress Note” emails from the Chiefs will often have a section of actively recruiting practices in MA looking for BCRP grads as well.

  • FALL

  • September: Send cover letter and CV to practices/programs of interest

  • Late fall: plan for interviews

 WINTER

  • Decide on job by December/January - important to plan for this timing in order to get the ball rolling on credentialing and paperwork for a July start date

  • However, don’t panic if you’re still looking for a job in December/January, as historically people have still received interest emails based on practice openings at this time (but don’t bank on starting your hunt then!)

WORDS OF WISDOM

Culled from BCRP grads

  • “It’s okay to leave clinical medicine and to leave the academic center."

    • Think about alternative paths that aren’t grounded in clinical medicine (eg. consulting, startup, industry development)

  •  Learn about the art of negotiation

    • Colin Sox - gives a talk in ADB and avails himself to meet with residents to discuss individual negotiating questions

  • Read books - this is a helpful one (can be applicable to men and women!)

  • Talk to people outside of medicine - because face it, pediatricians aren’t known for their shrewd negotiation skills.

  • Know that as a Harvard grad you are a great commodity, even if the city is full of MDs

  • Reach out to grads from other peds residencies who might have a different network of people/jobs to consider

  • Don't be afraid to send your CV and cover letter to places that might not necessarily be looking to hire at the moment. Many jobs don't ever reach the point of being posted in journals or solicited via recruiters. If you don't hear back, you can follow up monthly to see if any openings have appeared

  • Even if there is no job opening available at a place of interest, take advantage of the opportunity for an informational interview to learn about the practice/hospital and ask about someone's career path