Along these lines, Dr. Stoll has found it challenging to conduct competitive quality research while still performing other responsibilities. “When applying for research grants, I’m competing with physicians with PhDs who have more time to devote to research,” he says. But on the other hand, he has the advantage of having the ability to learn from his patients and develop research questions around what he sees in his clinical practice and conduct research on his patients.
Rheumatologists who work in a hospital setting have reaped many rewards …. [O]thers take care of many of the headaches that come with managing a private practice, such as selecting & paying for malpractice insurance … & maintaining a social media presence & website.
For Dr. Hughes, the biggest challenges are dealing with the lack of autonomy. “Policies are set for the good of the hospital group and not necessarily for the individual physicians,” she says. To overcome these challenges, she advises physicians and hospital administration have clear expectations of their roles, put physicians in leadership positions in administration and require input from physicians prior to implementing any big changes affecting the practice.
Reaping Rewards
Mr. Jennings
At the end of the day, some rheumatologists choose to work in a hospital setting rather than private practice because the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.
“I have incredible variety in my work,” Dr. Criscione-Schreiber says. “I began my career as a clinician–educator and then became a program director. This led to my further interest in education and obtaining an ACR Clinician Scholar Educator Award. This, in turn, led to becoming a funded education researcher. I’ve done clinical research and collaborated in basic and translational research. I’ve been able to impact the national conversation about education in rheumatology. I’ve had the opportunity to help lead improvements in mentoring for medical educators at Duke. In 2003, I never would have imagined that I’d do all the things I’ve done, and I’m sure that I’ll do all kinds of things I haven’t thought of yet in the next 13 years!”
An additional benefit of being in a setting where you can do research and have less time devoted to patient care time is flexibility. Dr. Criscione-Schreiber is able to leave early or come in late sometimes to tend to her children without working part time because she controls her work hours.
