It is common for newly graduated doctors to experience moments of doubt when it comes to which path to follow in their professional career, thanks to the various possibilities within the market.
Work as a general practitioner or go straight into residency? Be a general practitioner or specialize in a postgraduate program? Opt for a CLT (Brazilian labor law) contract or a PJ (self-employed/contractor) contract? Focus on shifts or have more control over your work routine?
After years of study, the academic journey in medical school comes to an end. Until now, the path was relatively clear, but what now? What does the future hold for this new professional?
There are several options that may seem intimidating to some, but it's time to see them as opportunities. As this is the starting point of your career, making certain decisions with clarity and care can guarantee success.
In this article, you will learn about the possible paths and understand what makes the most sense for you to begin your medical career.
What are your plans for your medical career?
With the pressures life professional often takes a backseat. But, at the end of graduation, consolidating one's career becomes the number one priority. And the first step to achieving success in this task is planning.
Although the transition from student to doctor seems quick, it's important to think long-term. Some decisions need to be made even in the final year of medical school, such as starting to study for competitive exams, or choosing the institution you want to study at, if the goal is to work and pursue a specialization at the same time.
Even if the initial choice is simply to work, that doesn't mean the doctor will be a general practitioner forever. Good career planning helps identify where you want to go in the future.
To create it, you can think about a few points:
Advance notice
If you received your diploma today, where would you look for a job?
The truth is that, during college, it's possible to be exposed to various fields of work, although many only think about it in the final months of their course. But it's good to start reflecting on it sooner.
A medical degree qualifies a professional as a general practitioner, and to specialize, there is a path to follow. Therefore, it is essential to carefully evaluate the available opportunities and avoid impulsive decisions.
Area of expertise
There are many career options, but newly graduated doctors need to be clear about their goals. Will they work before specializing? Invest in specialization immediately? Or do both at the same time, through postgraduate studies, for example?
These are personal choices that need careful consideration. If the intention is to specialize, studying large institutions important can be the best way to help you make the right choice. If the option is to work as a generalistto be organized, considering whether you prefer shifts or working in basic units.
Talk to experienced doctors
Another valuable tip is to talk to doctors who have already gone through this experience. Understanding the career path of those already in the profession can provide valuable insights.
During college, try talking to residents, interns, and professors to better understand the areas of practice. This can also help you make small adjustments to your plan, aligning it with the information you've gathered about what real-world practice is like in that area based on their experiences.
Time to act
After thinking through and building carefully present.
Think about the actions you will need to take to achieve each of your goals and what deadlines you will need to meet. Some are short and require quick action, so it's important to understand everything in advance.
What are the job options for a newly graduated doctor?
You can choose from several work options. Shift work, for example, is a viable option. Although it requires more time and offers less control over your routine, it can be a great way to start.
Alongside this or any other activity, it's still possible to pursue postgraduate studies, to further deepen your knowledge while earning money.
Many may fear the burden schedule differentiated designed specifically for professionals who need to balance their routines work studies. São Leopoldo Mandic, for example, has features designed especially for this purpose (learn more).
There is also the option of medical residency, which requires a lot of preparation to pass the selection processes (which can take time) and full dedication to investing in training after entering the program.
I work in a private practice
When discussing career possibilities in the medical field, daily practicefour main areas stand out
- On-call shifts;
- Consulting rooms in health units;
- Consulting rooms in private clinics;
- Telemedicine.
In the case of on-call shifts, even if they don't exclusively involve urgent or emergency cases, there is generally no continuous monitoring of patients. Therefore, working in a doctor's office tends to yield more consistent and lasting for the physician.
In primary healthcare units, care is offered publicly ,serving the population that uses the Unified Health System (SUS). In private practices, however, there are various strategies to attract and retain patients, making the career very profitable. This is especially true if the doctor manages to stand out in the market as a specialist in a particular area of medicine, enabling them to treat more specific cases.
Building your reputation
Building a good reputation is essential to stand out in the market. Networking, choosing the right place to work and specialize, and never stopping learning are important steps.
By doing this, you'll find other dedicated and recognized professionals who can help you with opportunities and recognition. Continuous learning brings not only knowledge, but also relationships that can define your career.
Medical marketing
Another way to build reputation is through medical marketing. This is an excellent tool for increasing the recognition and visibility of any professional, as well as helping to build an image of respect and trust.
Using social media responsibly allows professionals to share valuable information, educating and helping others. This strengthens the bond of respect and even loyalty with patients and potential patients.
Start building your career right now. Explore all the possibilities and decide which one best suits your dreams to create the best plan.
Click here to learn about all the courses, curricula , and unique features of the São Leopoldo Mandic medical postgraduate program; this could be just the opportunity you're looking for.
