It is almost July and most of the residents should have landed a physician job. If not, but you are mulling over several physician job offers — then you are still good to go. But if you have not done a single interview yet or worse if you have not started applying yet, then you are really getting late. But do not despair, as there are plenty of physician jobs available.  Those who have visa issues need to be extra careful about the deadlines for applying for one.

There are several strategies to catch up for your Doctor job search. These techniques can be used by the early birds too as they are very effective in getting the contract in hand.

1) Networking: Talk to your attending physicians in the hospital and program. Many if them will be looking for a partner in the near future. May be you can fit into that role. Even if they are not looking, they may know someone , who is looking for physician employees.

2) Medical Staff Office: Talk to the Medical Staff Office in your training hospital. They are usually aware of MDs looking for potential partners/ employees. 

3) Pick up the phone!: Yes! pick up the phone and call up all the places you have put your resume to. Ask them for the physician responsible for making hiring decision. Talk to the hiring MD and ask him if you can set up an  interview to discuss the opportunity further. Many a times, a reverse interview offer like this does work.

4) Physician recruiters: Call the physician recruiters in your specialty and they will be do glad to have you signed up somewhere. Why? Because that’s how they make the big bucks.

5) Friends and Seniors: Do not forget friends and seniors who are already employed or own their own medical practice. They can also hook you up with a physician job.

What if the worst fear comes true. What if you graduate and there is no physician job in sight for you. Well that is a rare thing and should not happen if you have read the ‘Secrets of physician job hunt’.  But even if it does, then you still have option of locum tenens and moonlighting. This option is not for you if you need a visa for employment. The biggest drawback of having a  gap between residency and employment — you will have  to explain it on all  your applications  in the future. I hope this sets you on fire to get started!!!