Part-time Employment

Working part-time is becoming a popular career option for many physicians. More and more physicians are entering the world of medicine with greater familial involvement, job opportunities, desires to work less and sustain less stress, and even to contribute to their community beyond the walls of the examination room. Naturally, part-time physicians make less money but the trade-offs may be worth it. The AMAYoung Physicians Section has identified the following sources of information about this emerging trend. Many of these are external links and are provided for informational purposes only, and their inclusion here should not be construed as an endorsement.

• "Part-Time Employment" Patrick Alguire, MD, FACP. Discusses some of the issues involved in negotiating contracts for part-time employment, including income, benefits, overhead, working schedule, call schedule, and partnership.
• "Part-Time Docs" Clem Boyd. A variety of family practitioners discuss the advantages (as well as disadvantages) of working less than full time. A 1994 AAFP survey of its 85,000 members found that almost 12 percent worked part-time, for an average of 27 hours per week.
• Practices must cope as more Physicians Work Part-time hours. The trend could impact the culture of overwork, but squeeze doctor supply Myrle Croasdale. Reports on recent AMA and AAP study of part-time practice; gives examples of physicians who work part-time.
• Web site focused exclusively on Women in Medicine and their issues--MomMD Includes resources, discussions, articles on: Pregnancy & maternity, Family issues, Personal growth and development, Personal stories and bios, Medical Careers, Career development, MomMD Career Center, Job Share Network, Medical Education, Discussion Groups, Q&A from premeds, medical students, residents and physicians, and Business Center info on starting and running a Practice.
• "Growing number of locum tenens doctors strive for simpler life" American Medical News, Jay Greene. Interviews with physicians who have chosen to work in locum tenens situations.
• "Part-time Practice Options for Physicians" Vasilios J. Kalogredis, JD. Options for physicians wishing to practice part-time.
• "Making part-time practice Work--for all concerned" Anita J. Slomski. Suggestions for physicians working part-time in a group practice setting. http://me.pdr.net/me/index.htm (Use search term "part-time")

The AMA-YPS also has identified a number of professional liability companies that offer discounts to physicians who practice part-time.