Careers in Family Medicine: Key Takeaways (Part 3) Career Decision Advice for Family Physicians

Advice for Your First Job & Career Pivots
Takeaways from the Careers in Family Medicine Blog Series

I’m continuing to highlight the key takeaways from the Careers in Family Medicine blog series, which featured 15 fulfilled family physicians with diverse career paths.

A couple of weeks ago, I shared themes around Career Trajectory and Mentorship.
Last week, I covered insights on Finding and Creating Joy & Fulfillment and other notable lessons.

This week: it’s all about career advice, especially for choosing your first job and navigating career pivots.

Advice for Choosing Your First Job

Many physicians offered overlapping advice, distilled into a thoughtful decision-making process. Here's how it unfolds:

“Pursue a career that you will enjoy on a day-to-day basis. A career is a lot more than merely an 8–5 job commitment. Finding a profession and a work environment that you enjoy being a part of is incredibly important for your wellness.”
— Dr. Ehab Molokhia

Step 1: Self-Reflection

• Know what you love and what makes you tick.

• Clarify your core values and what brings meaning to your work.

Step 2: Due Diligence

• Interview broadly. Explore multiple settings and types of practices.

• Go at your own pace. Don’t compare your process to colleagues. It’s okay to take your time.

• Confirm alignment. Make sure at least 20% of your job taps into your passions—research shows this helps prevent burnout.

• Investigate the culture. Look for collegiality, growth support, shared values, and mentorship opportunities.

• Do more than interview. Talk to staff, observe team dynamics, and consider shadowing.

• Understand logistics. Learn about the compensation model, incentives, non-competes, and bonus repayment terms.

• Get a contract lawyer. Especially one familiar with healthcare in your state. The AAFP’s Land Your Best Jobresources are a great starting point.

Step 3: Negotiate

• Know your worth and what you need to thrive.

“You should never wonder what might have been possible if only you’d asked.”

Step 4: Decide

• No job is perfect. Make the best decision with the information you have now.

• Don’t choose from fear.

“Don’t feel like the first job has to be perfect or forever—it almost certainly won’t be.” — Dr. Murray Buttner
“You’ll never feel entirely ready… so make the best choice possible for yourself at the time.” — Dr. Deb Clements

(More tips on decision-making HERE.)

Step 5: Commit, Learn & Grow

• Sign the contract (but maybe don’t buy a house right away).

• Have your own back. Don’t second-guess—use new insights as learning, not ammo for self-criticism.

• Connect and contribute. Join networks, teach, lead, or explore advocacy.

“Medicine is a small community—relationships matter for your entire career.” — Dr. Clements

“Be flexible. There are no wasted experiences—they’ll shape your future.” — Dr. Grace Shih

“Your job should be intellectually challenging, purposeful, and fun. We usually have the first two. It’s up to us to create the third.”
— Dr. Erica Sweigler

Advice for Career Pivots

• “The grass isn’t always greener.” (More on this in a future blog.)

• Don’t be fooled by social media. Every path has trade-offs. There are no “safe” decisions, just varying risks.

• Revitalize where you are. Options include growth opportunities, teaching, advocacy, sabbaticals, and cultivating joy.

• Careers evolve. No shame in shifting directions multiple times.

“Try something interesting. We are eminently employable.” — Dr. John Brewer

Reflect before pivoting:

• Why do you want to pivot?

• What are your options? (Aim for at least 3.)

• Best/worst-case scenarios?

• Challenges anticipated and how will you address them?

• How will the change benefit you?

“Be objective. If something seems like it will be challenging, it probably will be.” — Dr. Deb Clements

“Give yourself time and space to envision your future. Reflect deeply. Ask yourself what you’re hoping to become. Consider getting a coach!” — Dr. Kelly Derbin

Next Week: Balance & Sustainability and Other Lessons Learned from these inspiring physicians

Until then—have a joy-filled week,
Tonya