Although residency and fellowship programs provide excellent clinical training, little is taught regarding the business side of a medical practice. To bridge this gap, MDA offers providers-in-training the information they need to make wise business and career decisions. The residency program has three objectives:

• Educate residents regarding the multitude of post-residency practice options
• Make residents aware of the non-medical business issues that are an unavoidable part of the practice of medicine
• Provide residents with an independent source for help and information

If you are interested in moonlighting, you can learn more here.

The following articles will provide you with the knowledge to help you transition out of your residency.

• Government vs. Commercial Contracts (published on Locum Life Magazine, March 2006
• Using Locum Tenens Experiences to Evaluate Permanent Opportunities (published on Locum Life Magazine, December 2005)
• Transitioning Residents Helped by Knowledge of Insurance (published on Locum Life Magazine, September 2005)
• Transitioning Out of Residency (Published on Locum Life Magazine, July 2005)

Questions to ask when considering locum tenens

• Will you provide my professional liability insurance?
• What type of insurance will you provide, claims-made or occurrence form? (If occurrence form, skip to number 5)
• Who is financially responsible for purchasing the tail?
• What length tail will be purchased?
• What is your payment schedule? Monthly? Every two weeks? Upon completion of the assignment?
• Will I be an employee or an independent contractor?
• What options do your doctors use to obtain heath insurance and other benefits?
• Will you cover licensure costs?
• Will you cover housing and travel costs?
• Who is responsible for arranging my housing and travel?