All young physicians (and practice administrators) dream of landing in a practice where they can use one hundred percent of their work day and skills to make a difference, and then go home — on time. The reality, however, is a heavy workload, stressed staff, and frustrating requirements. It’s easy to end up feeling stuck and dissatisfied. But by understanding the business of medicine upfront, physicians and administrators can make the right job choices to find a practice that fits them and then enjoy rewarding careers and satisfying personal lives.

Nationally known healthcare consultant Jeffrey Gorke translates his 20 years of experience into a winning playbook for joining, starting or running a “dream” practice. Packed with tips, insights and action-oriented tools, this fast-paced guide helps readers rapidly master the language, players, management structures and culture issues and use what they’ve learned to ask all the right questions in identifying, seeking and landing the absolute best job. Learn how to size up location, compensation, work-life balance, and the freedom to practice medicine!

“Using this book is like earning an instant MBA degree in launching a medical career.”

NOTEWORTHY FEATURES

A comprehensive, step-by-step check list makes sure you cover every question in the practice-selection process and lets you do revealing side-by-side comparisons of all the practices under consideration.

Practical tips and reality checkpoints on what to expect in the private practice setting.

Instant financial mastery: Spreadsheets and graphical presentations make it easy for readers to evaluate business and financial data to learn what’s really happening in a practice — and what questions you’ll need to keep asking if you decide to join.

Clear action steps: How to evaluate factors such as a practice’s location or culture and what plusses and minuses to look for in terms of managers, consultants, and business structure.

And a Bonus! Illustrative real-life anecdotes from the medical practice trenches.

About the Author: Jeff Gorke is President and CEO of Castle Gate Management, a leading health care management advisory and IT firm. His two decades of experience encompass Medicare administration, managing a national medical society, and running a variety of large and small, single-specialty, privately-held medical group practices.

PRAISE FOR JEFF GORKE

“Jeff is able to simplify what may be one of the most important choices you will ever make.”

STEVEN J. ISSERMAN, MD, FACC, Western Piedmont

Heart Centers

“Finally, there comes a book that prepares the freshly minted physician for the business side of the healthcare equation. Mr. Gorke’s light, easy-to-digest style takes the reader through the entire process of determining and finding the right practice setting.”

KENNETH J. LOPEZ, Practice Administrator

“Jeff has laid out a practical, logical, and systematic approach to help any physician identify, quantify, and evaluate potential new employers and future business partners. The illustrations, charts, and anecdotal information are easy to understand, shed light on traditionally difficult information, and keep the reader focused all the way through.”

WILLIAM (BILL) L. HUGHES, CPA, CMPE, Administrator

“This book is a must read for every physician preparing to enter the complex world of private practice, regardless of the setting.”

JULIA C. LEWIS, RN, MS, Practice Management Consultant

“Gorke first advises young physicians on how to find a job and negotiate an employment contract. He then explains the nuts and bolts of the business of medicine . . . This book is an excellent primer for any physician about to enter medical practice.”

MICAH R. TEPPER, MD, FACC