Dos and Don’ts of Physician Training

If you’re ready to hire a new physician to join your hospital or practice, you’ve likely gone through a lengthy hiring process to find the right fit. Like with most highly skilled jobs, prospective physicians have already gone through many rounds of interviews, and your HR teams have probably checked multiple times into their qualifications.

Despite the rigorous hiring and interviewing process, it’s still critical to provide healthcare onboarding and physician training once you hire a new doctor to ensure they can meet the demands of the job. Even if the new physician is experienced in the field and has already worked in similar workplaces, every new role is unique. Your workplace likely has its own set of policies, so you need to ensure the new hire has the tools to succeed.

In this guide, we’ll go over some of the most important factors to consider when onboarding a new physician. Keep reading to learn more about the specifics of healthcare onboarding and what makes training a new doctor both similar and different than hiring a new employee at an office job.

Do: Give the New Doctor Tools to Succeed

When onboarding any new employee, it’s vital that they receive the information and knowledge needed to thrive in the role. New doctors may be confident in their skills, but they still need to learn your procedures and get acquainted with your office or hospital’s atmosphere.

To ensure your new hire gets up to speed quickly, give them time to go over the physician training materials, and make sure they know that questions are welcomed.

Don’t: Expect the New Physician to Know Your Protocols

While some things are standard, every healthcare facility and hospital follows slightly different protocols and policies. Even if the doctor has worked in the same hospital or physician group before, they may not know exactly how daily operations go for their new position.

During physician training, show them the ropes and give them any necessary onboarding materials.

Do: Ensure They Sign Any Important Healthcare Onboarding Documents

When onboarding a new physician, you want to check that they’ve completed all the necessary paperwork. Because doctors are responsible for the health and wellness of other people, human resources and onboarding professionals need to double-check everything.

Ensure they’ve signed everything from payday information to HIPAA-related paperwork. You want to protect the new doctor, the practice, and your patients.

Also, ensure the new physician knows and understands the insurance options provided. If they have questions about insurance during the physician training period, you should also give them the necessary resources to learn more.

Don’t: Expect Them to Know All Your Software and Equipment

New protocols and policies aren’t the only things your new healthcare provider needs to learn; they also might not have used all your software and technology before. A well-trained physician should know how to use most standard healthcare equipment, but models may vary. Also, if they worked in a different kind of practice or hospital before, they may need instruction on how to properly operate various healthcare technologies.

As you teach them how to use everything in the office for their role, give them time to acclimate. While physicians generally can adjust quickly, some may take longer than others to learn the new information. Ensure the environment is welcoming and non-judgmental.

Do: Follow Up With New Physicians and Their Patients

As the new doctor begins their job and starts settling into the workplace, don’t forget to follow up regularly. It’s a wise idea to have a probationary period where you ensure that the new physician is a good fit for the job and that they like the job, too.

After a month or so, check in with them to see how they feel about the job. You should also confer with patients and get their feedback. Patient feedback can bring any concerning issues to light and let you know if your new hire is a good fit for the position.

Don’t: Expect Too Much When Onboarding a New Physician

It’s common for offices and hospitals to need new physicians urgently, especially in recent years since turnover and staffing shortages have been widespread. So, you may be anxious to get the new doctor onboarded and fully integrated into their role.

Expecting a new employee to get up to speed right away can be overwhelming. If the new doctor feels they have too many expectations on them at once or have to take on too many patients in the first couple of weeks, they may decide the job isn’t right for them. A new physician will also perform better and provide better care to patients if they are given the necessary support. Try to ease them into the job over time and let them go at their own pace during physician training.

Do: Ask For Feedback on Physician Training

As you take the new doctor through physician training and onboarding, it’s wise to ask them for feedback throughout the entire process. Give them many opportunities to ask questions and get answers. You can also give them surveys and ask for their opinion on your training procedures. This way, you can streamline and improve physician onboarding for the future.

Get More Resources for Physicians And Healthcare Professionals

Do you have more questions or need more assistance related to onboarding and physician training? Or are you a practicing physician looking for assistance related to your career and financial planning? At Physician’s Resource Services, we provide articles and resources for healthcare professionals.

We specialize in helping with financial planning, tax preparation, and insurance services. Healthcare providers offer vital services to their communities, so we take great pride in providing support and assistance to doctors as they plan their careers and finances.

Call or message us today to learn more about physician training and see how we can help you succeed in the healthcare landscape.

This material is provided as a courtesy and for educational purposes only. Please consult your investment professional, legal or tax advisor for specific information pertaining to your situation.

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Advisory services offered through PRS Investment Advisors, a Member of Advisory Services Network, LLC. Tax services and insurance products offered through Physician’s Resource Services. Advisory Services Network, LLC and Physician’s Resource Services are not affiliated.

Dos and Don’ts of Physician Training

Do: Give the New Doctor Tools to Succeed

Don’t: Expect the New Physician to Know Your Protocols

Do: Ensure They Sign Any Important Healthcare Onboarding Documents

Don’t: Expect Them to Know All Your Software and Equipment

Do: Follow Up With New Physicians and Their Patients

Don’t: Expect Too Much When Onboarding a New Physician

Do: Ask For Feedback on Physician Training

Get More Resources for Physicians And Healthcare Professionals

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