Finding Your First Job in Orthopaedic Surgery


By Randeep S. Kahlon, M.D.

With all the time-consuming requirements of your residency and studying for boards, have you taken time to begin the preparation and implementation of the search for a full time job in orthopaedic surgery? Have you considered how, and when, to start? Do you know what job is best suited to you and your interests? In what part of the country do you want to live? How to evaluate different practices? How to negotiate your first contract? Where to get your credentialing information?

It’s probably one of the most important decisions of your life. And one you want to make carefully, without feeling rushed.

Practical insights and advice in Dr. Kahlon’s book could help get you started on the four phases of the job search process. There is a great deal of preparatory work involved in just getting started; the earlier it is begun, the better it is for you, the physician candidate. Ideally, you’ll want to read it in your fourth post graduate year, or two years before you plan to go into practice.

Written by a recent orthopaedic fellow for orthopaedic residents and fellows, this booklet includes very practical information on:
How to prepare for the search
How much time it will take
How to save time
How to begin
How to interview
How to negotiate the contract
How to learn essentials that you need to know about the business of medicine
And much, much more.

A special feature of this work is the CD ROM located inside the back cover. Several of the templates illustrated in the booklet are stored on the CD and can be downloaded for easy use by the reader. When customized by the reader, the expandable templates can help the reader neatly organize and consolidate all the names, dates, titles, numbers, credentials, memberships, fees, etc. that must be maintained over their career. There’s even a list of questions that can be used to evaluate the different practices to help ensure “apples-to-apples” comparisons.

Purchase the book direct by calling 1-800-348-2759 and referencing the catalog number 97-2100-548. The cost is $7.00 plus shipping (via UPS Ground). Or, contact your Zimmer sales associate for assistance.

Template Aids for Your First Job Search

Approaching your search for a job in orthopaedic surgery in an efficient and organized manner can go a long way toward helping you assess the opportunities and make the best decision for you. The following templates are designed to help you, and can be downloaded onto your own computer. Please use them with our compliments. Good luck in your search.
Medical & Narcotics Licensure Matrix (short form)
Medical & Narcotics Licensure Matrix (long form)
Contract Negotiation Matrix
Training Verification Matrix (short form)
Training Verification Matrix (long form)
List of References