Tips for Building a Portfolio Career for Physicians and APPs
The traditional path of a single, lifelong medical position is evolving. Today, many physicians and advanced practice providers (APPs) are crafting "portfolio careers," blending various roles to create a professional life that offers more flexibility, diversity, and fulfillment. This approach might involve mixing clinical work with teaching, research, consulting, or even locum tenens assignments.
Building a successful portfolio requires careful planning and a strategic mindset. Whether you're looking to add a new dimension to your existing practice or transition away from a single, full-time role, these tips can help you create a career that aligns with your professional and personal goals.
1. Define Your Goals and Priorities
Before making any changes, it's crucial to understand what you want to achieve. A portfolio career should be a deliberate construction, not just a random collection of jobs. Take time for self-assessment and ask yourself some key questions:
- What are my primary motivations? Am I seeking better work-life integration, more income, or the chance to explore a new specialty?
- What kind of practice environment do I thrive in? Do I prefer the structure of a large hospital or the autonomy of a smaller clinic?
- What are my long-term aspirations? How will each component of my portfolio contribute to my professional growth?
Clarifying your priorities will serve as your guide when evaluating different physician jobs and opportunities. This clarity ensures that each new role is a meaningful step toward your ideal career.
2. Know Your Comfort Level with Variables
A portfolio career often involves less predictability than traditional permanent jobs. Your income might fluctuate, your schedule could vary from month to month, and you may need to adapt to different workplace cultures and systems.
Be honest with yourself about your comfort level with this variability.
- Financial Stability: Can you manage an income that isn't fixed? It may be wise to secure a stable "anchor" position that provides a reliable baseline income while you explore other ventures.
- Scheduling: Are you comfortable with a dynamic schedule, or do you need a consistent routine? Consider how much structure you need to feel balanced and effective.
- Adaptability: How easily do you adjust to new teams, technologies, and patient populations? Roles like locum tenens require a high degree of adaptability.
Understanding your tolerance for these factors will help you build a portfolio that energizes, rather than exhausts, you.
3. Find the Right Partners
Navigating the world of portfolio careers can be complex, but you don't have to do it alone. Partnering with a reputable healthcare recruitment firm can provide invaluable support. A good recruiter acts as a career advisor, helping you find opportunities that align with your specific goals.
At AMN Healthcare, our recruiters specialize in connecting physicians and APPs with a wide range of roles, from permanent jobs to flexible locum tenens assignments. We take the time to understand your priorities and help you identify positions that fit seamlessly into your desired portfolio.
4. Stay Open-Minded and Ready for Change
The beauty of a portfolio career is its flexibility. What works for you today might not be the right fit in five years. Your interests may evolve, new opportunities may arise, and your personal circumstances might change.
Embrace a mindset of continuous evaluation and be willing to adjust your portfolio as needed. Regularly check in with your career goals and assess whether your current roles are still serving you. This adaptability is key to maintaining long-term satisfaction and ensuring your career remains aligned with your life.
5. Invest in Lifelong Learning
To succeed in a diverse portfolio career, you must remain a lifelong learner. This goes beyond standard continuing medical education (CME). Seek out opportunities to develop new skills that support your various roles.
- If you're interested in medical writing, take a course on the subject.
- If you want to move into consulting, develop your business acumen.
- If you're considering a leadership role, look for training in management and communication.
Investing in your skills not only makes you more effective in your current roles but also opens doors to future opportunities, making your career portfolio even more robust and rewarding.
Build Your Ideal Medical Career
Creating a portfolio career is an opportunity to design a professional life that truly reflects your passions and priorities. It's a proactive approach to career management that puts you in the driver's seat.
By defining your goals, understanding your personal tolerances, and partnering with the right resources, you can build a dynamic and fulfilling career. If you're ready to explore what a portfolio career could look like for you, our team at AMN Healthcare is here to help you find the physician jobs that fit your vision.
