Archive for September, 2009

I get the question all of the time from students wondering if it is a good thing or should they just start on their own.  I personally like the idea of being an associate first and then choose the direction that you want to go.  Associatship is a great way to discover what you “the DC” are good at and what you are not good at!  You also get to discover what technique you really love doing.  You might even discover equipment that you want or some that you thought you needed and now realize that you don’t.  From posters, systems, and staffing, an associateship can be very beneficial to the new graduate.   However, I do think there should be a few guidelines in which you go through before joining any practice and becoming an associate. 

1. Make sure your heart is in it!

 If you go into the relationship with a half hearted approach, then you will get a half hearted response from the team you join and the patients you serve.  There is a major difference in stopping by for a couple months to learn and dialing into a relationship called an associateship.  You have to be at a place where you can pour your heart into it to really get the most out of your experience. 

2. Don’t think so much of your value, prove it!

 So many students graduate with the mindset that they are now worth a ton, and they demand a high salary to come and bless this new place of employment.  The truth is that you are valuable and will become more valuable, but the best way is to prove it.  Just like a rookie has to come to a team and prove themselves, you will need to do the same.  A base pay should be just that, base pay.  This should  meet the majority of your base bills and then you have a chance to earn more through getting busier in the practice.  Until your production meets your base pay, you are an expense to that company.  Yet, once you get over your base in production, you become an asset.  A producing asset at that, and that is when you the associate and the practice should be earning a profit.

3. Know your role, and your future opportunities before you start, get it in writing!

Part of a successful relationship is knowing your roles and what is possible for future growth.  Meaning get all the vision of the relationship down on paper. Write out what you want to see in a year, two years, and so on.  Map out milestones that will indicate you are achieving these goals and they can guide future raises or deductions based on future productivity. 

4. Have an exit plan that is healthy for both involved!

Know your exits!  Don’t wait until the fire alarm goes off before you try to find the exits. It will be too messy.  Map out a plan of exits so that you and the doctor know what is expected of each person in the relationship and how that professional relationship will be maintain or ended.  This is never fun to talk about, but you can avoid a ton of possible legal fees and emotional challenge if you will ask the hard questions now!  Then make sure it is in writing, both sign it and keep a copy.

My best wishes to those who want to associate with like minded doctors.  I have  helped hundreds to just this, if you need help, please contact us and we will do  what we can to help you in forming the best agreement possible. 

Dr. Wilson