Landing a Job as a Family Medicine Physician: What to Know
What types of job opportunities exist for family medicine physicians?
Family Medicine Physicians can practice in a variety of settings.
3RNET has Family Medicine Physician job opportunities within the health care safety net. These include:
- Critical Access Hospital (CAH)
- Community Health Center (CHC)
- Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC)
- Correctional Health Facility Community Mental Health Center (CMHC)
- Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC)
- FQHC Look-a-Like
- Indian Health Service site (IHS)
- Rural Health Clinic (RHC)
- Rural Emergency Hospital
- State Mental Health Hospital
- Substance Use Disorder Treatment Facility
- Veterans Affairs (VA) site
Learn more about health care safety net facilities, what they are, how they are funded, and more, in our guide: Safety Net Health Care Facilities.
In addition to jobs in safety net health care facilities, you may also find jobs for Family Medicine Physicians in these types of locations:
- Academic Training Institutions
- Ambulatory/Outpatient Surgical Centers
- Clinics and medical offices (private or hospital-based)
- Community Hospitals (private or non-profit)
- Dental Clinics
- Dialysis Facilities
- Hospice Care Facilities
- Imaging and Radiology Centers
- Large Medical Centers
- Long-term Care Hospitals
- Nursing Homes
- Pharmacy
- Private Practices
- Rehabilitation Centers
- School-based Clinics
- State Department of Health /County health clinics
- Telehealth
- Urgent Care Centers
What leadership opportunities exist in family medicine physician jobs?
One of the valuable benefits of working in a hospital or clinic in a rural or underserved community is the opportunity to develop your leadership skills.
As a family medicine physician with a safety net practice, you’ll have the opportunity to grow your leadership skills across a variety of dimensions, such as advocating for your community’s healthcare needs, building collaboration with public health officials, community leaders, and social service providers; and by offering public education about preventive care, disease management, mental health, and more.
In addition, you’ll likely have the opportunity to provide mentorship to others in your practice, develop your team’s teamwork capabilities, and learn budgeting and cost-management skills.
Finally, working in a rural and underserved healthcare setting as a family medicine physician offers a unique opportunity to innovate and bring new ideas to the forefront of your practice - whether it’s process improvements, culture enhancements, or other ways to improve patient care.
What should family medicine physicians consider when comparing job opportunities?
As a family medicine physician, you’re in demand and likely have a number of options for where to practice. Here are some considerations we think are important:
- First, the practice’s setting and culture. A clinic will likely offer more predictable hours, have a focus on preventative care, and place a stronger emphasis on developing relationships with patients. Practice size also matters. While a larger practice may have more resources, a smaller practice may provide you with more autonomy, less bureaucracy, and give you greater opportunity to connect with your patients.
- Of course, you’ll want to consider compensation and benefits - what’s the pay structure like? What benefits are offered? Is loan repayment available? We encourage you to look at the TOTAL package of compensation, not just pay.
- Work-life balance. This is HUGE. What hours will you be expected to work, and how often will you be on-call? Is there a generous PTO and vacation policy?
- Finally, think about your growth and professional development. What opportunities exist for you to develop your leadership skills? What other professional development opportunities are offered?