As a resident physician, are you thinking about where you want to build your future in medicine? Meet Samy Abdelghani, MD, a cardiologist in Covington, Louisiana, with Ochsner Health, and a featured voice in the AMA’s “Finding My Place in Medicine” series.
In this series, physicians reflect on what influenced their personal decisions when choosing where to work—and what they wish they had known earlier. Explore Dr. Abdelghani’s journey to help guide your own path toward a fulfilling medical career.
If you are looking for your first physician job after residency, get your cheat sheet now from the AMA. In addition, the AMA Transitioning to Practice series has guidance and resources on deciding where to practice, negotiating an employment contract, managing work-life balance, and other essential tips about starting in practice—including in private practice.
“Following” Dr. Samy Abdelghani
Specialty: Cardiology.
Practice setting: Health system.
Employment type: Employed by Ochsner Health in New Orleans. Ochsner Health is part of the AMA Health System Member Program, which provides enterprise solutions to equip leadership, physicians and care teams with resources to help drive the future of medicine.
Years in practice: 13.
Key factors that led me to choose to work at Ochsner Health: I was attracted to the organization’s outstanding reputation for delivering high-quality care, its investment in the latest technology and the stability of its hospital system. Leadership opportunities, an attractive compensation model and a physician-led structure were also important factors in my decision.
What stood out to me during the interview and hiring process: I appreciated the transparency throughout the entire process. The consistent communication, timely responses to my questions and the clear satisfaction among the physicians I met made a strong impression.
How feedback from peers and mentors influenced my evaluation process: Several trusted peers and mentors had experience with Ochsner Health and spoke highly of it. Their positive feedback, combined with the system’s strong regional reputation, played a significant role in my evaluation.
Why I chose to work for a health system rather than another kind of practice setting: I wanted to focus on patient care rather than managing the operational duties of running a private practice. I also wanted to avoid negotiating with insurance companies. Working within a health system gave me access to a large network of skilled colleagues and access to a hospital that delivered the most complex levels of care.
The top three qualities for a great place to work: A physician-led organization, strong support systems including facilities, tools and staff, and a fair and transparent compensation model.
How my current practice supports physician well-being and work-life balance: Ochsner Health has an entire department dedicated to physician well-being, along with access to wellness programs and educational courses. There is a clear focus on avoiding burnout, and we benefit from electronic and AI-based tools that help streamline daily tasks.
Workplace attributes that have contributed to my job satisfaction: Working alongside happy and motivated colleagues and staff, having supportive physician leadership and using advanced technology have all significantly contributed to my overall job satisfaction.
The biggest challenges I faced when transitioning from residency to practice: The transition was marked by several challenges, including the absence of the safety net I had during training, learning the intricacies of billing and coding, and mastering time management in a new and fast-paced environment.
What I wish I had known about evaluating a job offer: In my case, the hiring process was very transparent and well-communicated. I knew exactly what I was getting into.
What I would have done differently when choosing my first job after residency: At this time, there’s nothing I would change. I remain confident in the decision I made.
How my current role compares with what I imagined: It has matched my expectations. The role has been everything I thought it would be.
