Let’s Renew our Vows!
Wait? What? No, you didn’t tune into the latest wedding blog. We’re talking about you and your medical practice. Let’s be clear, this is a long-term relationship, you and your practice. And like a marriage, your practice is a living breathing organism with ups and downs and good times and bad. And as in a marriage, some folks think we read minds. But I digress.
If you had it to do all over again, would you choose a career in healthcare?
Fair question. MACRA, MIPS, new HHS Secretary, declining reimbursements, increasing costs, millennials, physicians, patients, payers, vendors, staff, acquisitions, mergers – wow, that’s a lot to contend with. These are not easy times to be on the business side of healthcare.
And did I mention the work-life balance? The what? Ok, well there isn’t much of one, is there? At least that’s the way it seems many days.
Regulations and work-life balance. Challenges for sure. According to this week’s MGMA Stat poll, for some 18%, a good reason to consider leaving the profession.
If you’re one of those not sure (15%), perhaps this is a good time to consider why you chose healthcare administration in the first place. What was your motivation? What did you find most interesting and attractive about the field? Did you know how difficult it would be? Are you flexible, open to change? Are you creative, innovative, and curious? Sit down, answer these questions, and see if the process doesn’t help illuminate and rekindle some of your earlier interests and passion for the position.
By the way, if you are sure, and the answer is no, then take your knowledge and skillset, develop a solid plan for moving into a new career, and execute the plan. There is no doubt that being a part of this field you have developed new and useful skills that will be transferable to other fields.
Finally, if you’re part of the group that would re-up, 67%, good for you! The future is exciting in healthcare, if you are open to change, transformation, innovation, and collaboration.
The field is changing. The skill sets are changing, but the concept of working together with the broad range of people, personalities, skills, challenges, and opportunities, will only continue to grow. And remember, it’s all about our patients.
Happy Valentine’s Day!
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