Managing Part-Time Rheumatologists
If you’re on the other side of the desk and you’re managing rheumatologists who want to work part time, your ability to offer a flexible work schedule can be an enticement when recruiting.
“A significant number of our clients see part-time or flexible schedules as a recruitment and retention strategy,” says Mary Barber of physician recruiting firm Cejka Search. “Physicians entering practice are usually interested in a full-time schedule, but knowing that the culture of the practice permits flexibility later in their careers can give the practice a competitive edge.”
When managing physicians who are working or who want to work part time, keep your expectations clear, recommends practice-management consultant John Pinto. Have as many policies as you can in writing so there are no questions about protocols. If you have requirements about participation in special committees or activities, make sure all physicians know that, he says. Another solution may be enlisting the help of nurse practitioners or physician assistants when possible.
Also consider the financial implications for part timers, says Rebecca M. Shepherd, MD, a rheumatologist who has worked part time herself and who currently oversees a large staff that includes physicians with reduced schedules. “As a medical group, we are moving from [relative value unit] RVU to revenue/expense [compensation], and the part-timers will take a hit,” she says. “It’s an administrative challenge.” Job sharing may be the solution in this situation, she adds.
