Job Search: Begin with the End in Mind: Lessons from 15 Years in Healthcare

By: Yoon Hang Kim MD MPH

Meet Dr. Kim - Integrative Functional Medicine Leader & Physician Executive

Begin with End in Mind:

In my 15 years working in corporate healthcare, I started as a physician and ended my last position as chief wellness officer. Most of my jobs lasted about two to three years. Each role taught me valuable lessons—especially about how physicians should approach the workplace and their careers. The biggest takeaway? Always begin with the end in mind.

Your first job won't be your forever job. Think of it as a stepping stone, which means planning not just how to succeed in the role, but how to exit gracefully when the time comes.

Practical Advice for New Physicians

Have an exit strategy before you sign. Understand non-compete clauses, tail coverage, termination policies, and benefit payouts (vacation, CME, retention bonuses). Know the "rules of engagement" for quitting before you ever start.

Get expert help. A lawyer experienced in physician contracts is worth every penny. At minimum, have trusted colleagues or AI tools summarize and highlight red flags so you can review with fresh eyes.

Decide what's non-negotiable. For me, the deal-breakers were tail coverage and a fair non-compete. Remember: things will never look better than during recruitment. If it feels wrong then, it won't improve later.

Learn from others. Physician Facebook groups, alumni networks, and peer communities are invaluable. Ask questions—many doctors are willing to share what they wish they'd known.

Keep your career vision in focus. A job is easy to land; a career is much harder to rebuild. Ask yourself how each role fits your larger goals. For example, I wanted to eventually develop functional and integrative medicine programs. My first few jobs weren't ideal, but they gave me the tools and credibility to reach the career I wanted long-term.

Be realistic about workforce trends. Depending on your specialty, physician positions are increasingly being replaced by nurse practitioners and physician assistants—especially in states where NPs have independent licensure with no physician supervision requirement. If you accept a job that lists MD/DO/NP/PA together, understand that your leverage is limited. Those roles are designed to be interchangeable. To protect your value, pursue training or subspecialization that makes you harder to replace.

Bottom Line

Think strategically: what kind of physician do you want to become, and how does this role move you toward that vision? Use Stephen Covey's timeless advice: begin with the end in mind, put first things first, and be proactive.

And if you can't create a win-win with an employer, walk away. Protect your career from day one.