MDNews - Greater Boston

P H Y S I C I A N R E C R U I T M E N T the Workforce Project at the American Academy of Pediatrics. "We know from anecdotal evidence that this includes both taking care of children as well as taking care of parents and other family members. The inability to find or negotiate a part-time/flexible working hours arrangement is another reason why many leave the workforce entirely." The decision to step away from clinical practice shouldn't be made swiftly, lightly or without considering the possibility of eventually returning. The Physician Reentry into the Workforce Project maintains that "leaving and re-entering the workforce should be regarded as a normal part of a physician's career trajectory. As such, just like any other career move, it is something that should be carefully considered and strategically planned." Start by reflecting on why you wish to leave practice, as well as the potential personal and financial ramifications of doing so. Leave plenty of time for ongoing, open dialogue with your colleagues and patients about the transition — and, of course, don't forget to familiarize yourself with the regulatory consequences of taking a hiatus. "Some states issue a limited license to physicians who are no longer engaged in clinical practice," says Holly J. Mulvey, Director of the Division of Workforce and Medical Education Policy and Co-director of The Physician Reentry into the Workforce Project. "Some states also have a clearly defined protocol for re-entering clinical practice. Physicians should check with their state medical and osteopathic board prior to leaving practice. Unfortunately, many do not, but contacting the state medical board first may make the transition back into clinical practice easier. Likewise, a physician engaged in maintenance of certification should definitely check with his or her specialty board; this pertains to medical liability insurance, as well." Before embarking on a leave of absence, The Physician Reentry into the Workforce Project advises crafting a timeline for your period away from practice that includes important steps to take before re-entry, such as meeting regulatory requirements, engaging in retraining and fulfilling continuing medical education (CME) expectations. Referring to your timeline often will help keep you on track to make a smoother, timelier return to practice. ■ RETURNING TO CLINICAL PRACTICE FOLLOWING A VOLUNTARY LEAVE OF ABSENCE CAN BE CHALLENGING IF PHYSICIANS DON'T PLAN THEIR TIME AWAY FROM MEDICINE WITH AN EYE TOWARD RESUMING THEIR CAREERS. T he American Medical Association defines physician re-entry as "a return to clinical practice in the discipline in which one has been trained or certified following an extended period of clinical inactivity not resulting from discipline or impairment." Reasons for leaving practice include family caregiving, attending to personal health, burnout or a desire to work in another field. Data collected by The Physician Reentry into the Workforce Project revealed personal health was the top reason fully retired or inactive physicians left practice. "For women, the No. 1 reason for taking an extended leave from clinical practice was to take care of family members," says Kelly J. Towey, MEd, Co-director of The Physician Reentry into Stepping Back (In) 1 8 | Greater Boston MD NEWS ■ M D N E W S . CO M

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