10 Steps to Excel in Your First Attending Position

Some of your are on your way to becoming an attending physician, or have recently arrived there. The journey you’ve taken to get here—years of grueling medical school, long hours as a resident, and endless rounds of exams and practice—has equipped you with the clinical knowledge and skills you need to succeed. But stepping into your first attending role is much more than just advancing in your medical career. This transition is an invitation to grow as a leader, find your own voice in patient care, and, perhaps most importantly, to shape your career on your terms.

Now that you’re officially responsible for patient outcomes, there’s an exciting level of autonomy to embrace. However, the leap from resident to attending isn’t just about patient care—this role calls for new levels of business savvy, adaptability, and balance that aren’t often taught in medical school. This guide is designed to help you navigate the unique challenges and opportunities of your first attending role. You’ll learn how to build a sustainable, rewarding career by prioritizing your well-being, mastering the essentials of practice management, and even exploring pathways to financial independence through entrepreneurship.

So, without further ado, here are ten powerful steps to help you launch into your new career phase with clarity and confidence. 🌟

1. Embrace the Transition and Define Your New Role

The attending position represents a monumental shift in responsibility and independence. While residency provided a structured environment for learning, you now have the freedom—and obligation—to set the direction for your medical practice and your career. There is nothing like those first few weeks of you life as an attending when you realize no one is double checking your work—-the independence is both exhilarating and scary.

• Prepare for the Change: Embrace your new independence with excitement, but recognize that the demands on your time and energy may be intense. Mental preparation can help you approach this new role as an opportunity for growth rather than a source of stress.

• Craft Your Professional Identity: Start thinking about what kind of physician you want to be. This phase of your career is about establishing your own values, approach, and priorities in patient care. Embracing your unique style will allow you to practice authentically and effectively. Although you follow the standards of care, your personal style with delivering them is completely unique.

2. Prioritize Well-Being to Build a Sustainable Career

As an attending, it’s easy to fall into a pattern of overworking. But prioritizing well-being is essential to sustaining a long and fulfilling career in medicine.There is no reason to feel guilty about rigidly separating work and self time.

• Set Boundaries: Take proactive steps to balance work and personal time. Establishing boundaries and setting aside time for self-care are essential for mental and physical health.

• Seek Mentorship and Support: Don’t be afraid to reach out to experienced attendings in your medical community. A mentor can be a valuable resource for advice on handling difficult cases, managing stress, and making career decisions.

3. Master Financial Literacy as Your Key to Independence

Financial know-how is indispensable for building a rewarding and secure career. The sooner you start building a foundation of financial literacy, the greater your control over your career and future lifestyle. The reality is that you are likely coming out of your training financially illiterate, making your vulnerable to both lifestyle creep and financial predators.

• Negotiate Your Contract: Approach contract negotiations with a clear understanding of industry standards in your specialty and location. Know what benefits and terms are important to you, and don’t hesitate to advocate for them. I highly encourage you to use a professional service like Contract Diagnostics to do this.

• Understand Compensation Beyond Salary: Take time to review all components of your compensation package, including retirement plans, bonuses, and health insurance. These elements are crucial for long-term financial stability. I love Contract Diagnostics Compensation Rx for this, it is well worth the $297.

4. Develop Business Skills for Career Flexibility

Business acumen will allow you to navigate the complexities of modern professional life, whether in a traditional setting or as an independent practitioner. You have many professional options in the marketplace that extend beyond traditional employment and private practice.

• Learn the Fundamentals of Practice Management: Get familiar with the basics of coding, patient billing, compliance, and clinic operations. These skills will equip you with the knowledge to make informed decisions and optimize your professional options in the future.

• Consider Entrepreneurship: Forming a micro-corporation can be a game-changer, giving you control over your practice and financial future. Explore different business models that allow you to independently thrive in the marketplace and find one that aligns with your goals. Personally I am a big fan of employment lite as an excellent hybrid option.

Unlock the blueprint for creating your own practice with SimpliMD’s course, “Creating a Practice Without Walls.” This course provides the tools and insights to build a career with autonomy and stability in the medical marketplace as a virtual business

5. Leverage Your Clinical Skills as Career Capital

Your clinical skills are your strongest asset. As you step into an attending role, keep your skill set versatile to navigate the ever-evolving healthcare landscape. This will place you a position to adapt to your market and maximize both your earnings and your professional satisfaction.

• Maintain a Broad Skill Set: Early in your career, keep using all the skills you acquired in residency. Later, you can choose to narrow your focus, but having a broad skill set will help you adjust to new roles and opportunities.

• Keep Learning New Skills: Medicine is constantly evolving, and staying ahead of new techniques and technologies will give you an edge in a competitive field. Look for opportunities to continue to add skills that differentiate you from your peers.

6. Recognize the Realities of Corporate Medicine

In many healthcare settings, the priorities of the organization and the priorities of individual physicians don’t always align. Understanding these dynamics will help you protect your own career interests.

• Understand Organizational Priorities: Many employers view physicians as revenue drivers rather than individual contributors with unique goals. Be aware of this reality and don’t expect your organization to always prioritize your career development.

• Take Control of Your Career: Proactively set goals and advocate for yourself. Consider what’s best for your long-term career and seek roles and responsibilities that align with those goals.

7. Expand Your Career Options with Diverse Opportunities

Exploring different opportunities in medicine will enrich your career and open doors to new experiences and income streams.

• Consider Job Stacking: Explore taking on multiple part-time roles in areas like telehealth, locums, or consulting. Job stacking offers flexibility, variety, and the chance to diversify your income.

• Explore Alternative Practice Models: Investigate options like Direct Primary Care (DPC), cash-only practices, which allow for greater autonomy and less reliance on third-party payers. Alternative models may also better align with your personal philosophy of patient care.

8. Stay Current with Medical Trends and Technology

Embracing adaptability and staying at the forefront of medical advancements is not just a choice—it's a calling that distinguishes you as a healthcare professional. This commitment to growth and innovation profoundly impacts your patients, offering them the best care possible. Your dedication fuels progress and transforms lives, making every step forward an exhilarating journey in the world of medicine!

• Commit to Continuing Medical Education (CME): Make a habit of attending CME courses, not just to meet requirements but to stay informed about the latest techniques, treatments, and tools in your specialty. I personally love international CME due to the interacting with health professionals from other countries.

• Integrate Telehealth: Telehealth is here to stay, and integrating it into your practice can increase patient accessibility, reduce costs, and enhance overall care, all while adding another revenue stream if you pursue it as a side hustle.

9. Prepare for the Inevitable Challenges

Navigating stressful situations and unexpected challenges is a crucial skill for attending physicians. Reflecting on these experiences and preparing for them thoughtfully can significantly enhance your resilience and boost your confidence. This preparation not only equips you to handle the immediate demands of the profession but also fosters personal growth over time.

• Develop Coping Strategies: Identify techniques for managing stress, from deep breathing exercises to meditation or even physical exercise. A stress management plan will be invaluable when you encounter high-pressure situations.

• Never Stop Learning: Medicine is an ever-evolving field. Attending workshops, taking courses, and seeking out new learning opportunities will keep you at the top of your game.

10. Empower Yourself for Success in the Medical Marketplace

Embracing ownership of your career path and actively building a supportive network are crucial steps that will empower you to achieve success on your own terms. By taking control and surrounding yourself with the right people, you'll unlock opportunities and resources that can propel you toward your goals.

• Join the SimpliMD Community as a Member: Surrounding yourself with like-minded professionals who are pursuing self-employment in medicine provides not only camaraderie but also access to resources, support, and invaluable guidance.

• Invest in Your Education and Career Growth: Courses and resources like those offered by SimpliMD provide a foundation of practical knowledge to help you manage your practice, make informed decisions, and maximize your career potential.

   

Conclusion: Set Yourself Up for a Rewarding Career as an Attending

The journey to your first attending position is the beginning of a rewarding new chapter. With these ten tips, you’ll be equipped to navigate your new role with confidence and to create a fulfilling, sustainable career that aligns with your personal and professional goals.

SimpliMD is here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re ready to take a personalized business consult, enroll in the “Creating a Practice Without Walls” course, or invest in the Business Plan Package, SimpliMD offers the resources and guidance to empower you in the medical marketplace.