Claudia, two part-time positions

Physician, Infectious Disease (MD, MPH)
33 Years Old
Married with 3 children, ages 11, 5, and 3.
Husband’s profession: MD, Internal Medicine

Job Profile
Holds two part-time positions; (1) one as medical director of a large program on a Health Department and (2) the other as a principal/clinical HIV investigator as part of a Non-for-profit Research Organization.

How did you end up working in two part-time positions?
My first part-time job began when I was in graduate school working on my masters in public health which I undertook after medical school.  Then, when I was ready to begin patient care, I decided that I could have the best of both worlds – patient care and public health policy -- by having a job in both.  

The key to career satisfaction for me is diversity in my job responsibilities and experiences.  In one job I see patients, which I love, teach, and do research.  My other job involves administration and policy advocacy which is satisfying in its own way.

What about the problem of “part-time job/part-time salary/but full-time responsibilities?”  Don’t you feel like you are always behind in one job or the other?

Yes, it’s true; I am always behind!  But it’s worth it because I get to do a little of everything.  Also remember that every job has some bad parts  -- in a part-time position, you don’t have as much of the bad either.  It’s a good trade-off.

What, if anything, would cause you to take on a more traditional full-time position or otherwise change your job choice?

If I just focused on public health – giving up patient care and call – my work life/hours would be more predictable and easier on my family.  But I would miss my patients.  Also, my spouse would like me to work closer to home which would mean giving up one of my jobs.  These are evolving issues which we continue to talk about.

Do you have any advice for others who may be contemplating similar choices? 

Ask lots of questions  -- of colleagues, teachers, mentors, friends and family --  about their experiences and expectations.  And don’t be afraid to try something.  Nothing is forever.  I think that I will do many interesting things over my career lifetime.