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Common Challenges in Physician Onboarding and How to Overcome Them

Onboarding new physicians is a crucial yet complex process that involves more than just orientation and paperwork. A well-structured physician onboarding process helps new hires acclimate and sets the stage for their long-term success within the organization. However, several common challenges can hinder this process. In this blog, we explore these challenges and provide practical solutions to overcome them.

1. Dealing With Information Overload

New physicians can easily feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information presented during the onboarding process. From hospital protocols to electronic medical record systems, the influx of new information can be daunting. This can potentially lead to cognitive overload and hinder their ability to absorb and retain essential information.

Breaking Down the Process

To combat information overload, it’s essential to break down the onboarding process into manageable steps. Provide resources that can be accessed on-demand, allowing new physicians to learn at their own pace. Utilizing a phased onboarding approach can help ensure that information is delivered in digestible chunks, making it easier for new hires to assimilate and apply what they’ve learned.

On-Demand Resources

Creating an online repository of onboarding materials, such as videos, guides, and FAQs, allows new physicians to review information as needed. This approach reduces the initial information load and provides a valuable reference throughout their transition period.

2. Comfortably Integrating With the Team

Integrating new physicians into an established team can be challenging, especially in environments with well-established routines and dynamics. New physicians may find it difficult to break into their new team, which may lead to feelings of isolation that impede effective collaboration.

Mentorship Programs

Mentorship programs pair new physicians with experienced colleagues who can provide guidance, answer questions, and offer support. These relationships can significantly ease the transition and help new hires feel more connected to their colleagues and the organization.

Team-Building Activities

Regular team-building activities, such as social events, workshops, and retreats, can help break the ice and build strong, collaborative relationships among team members. These activities encourage open communication and trust, which are essential for a cohesive team environment.

3. Overcoming Administrative Burdens

The administrative tasks associated with onboarding can be taxing for new physicians, detracting from their primary focus on patient care, creating frustration, and even decreasing overall job satisfaction.

Streamlining Administrative Processes

Streamlining administrative processes with digital tools can significantly reduce the burden on new physicians. Utilizing electronic onboarding systems and providing administrative support can help new hires navigate paperwork efficiently, allowing them to concentrate on their clinical duties.

Digital Tools and Support

Implementing digital onboarding platforms can automate many administrative tasks, such as filling out forms, submitting documents, and tracking compliance. Providing administrative support staff to assist new physicians can also help alleviate the load, ensuring they have more time to focus on patient care.

Managing medical student loans alongside physician onboarding can be particularly stressful for new physicians. PRS can help.

Learn More

4. Understanding Organizational Culture

New physicians might struggle to understand and adapt to the organization’s culture, which can affect their ability to integrate and perform effectively.

Cultural Orientation and Ongoing Support

Incorporating cultural orientation sessions into the onboarding process can help new physicians understand the organization’s values, expectations, and social norms. Ongoing support and opportunities for new hires to ask questions and seek guidance can further facilitate a smooth cultural integration.

Orientation Sessions

Cultural orientation sessions should cover the organization’s mission, values, and expected behaviors. These sessions can include discussions, role-playing scenarios, and interactions with senior staff to help new hires internalize the organization’s culture.

Continuous Support and Feedback

Continuous support, such as regular check-ins and feedback sessions, helps new physicians adjust to the culture over time. Providing a safe space for new hires to express concerns and ask questions can significantly enhance their comfort and engagement within the organization.

5. Creating Realistic Expectations

Miscommunication or a lack of clarity regarding job roles, responsibilities, and expectations can result in misaligned expectations, which can frustrate both the physician and the organization.

Clear and Consistent Communication

To manage expectations effectively, it is crucial to communicate job roles, responsibilities, and expectations clearly from the outset. Regular check-ins during the initial onboarding period can help address any concerns and ensure that both parties are on the same page.

Setting Clear Expectations

During onboarding, clearly outline job roles, responsibilities, and performance expectations. Providing detailed job descriptions and discussing these with new hires can prevent misunderstandings and ensure everyone is aligned.

Regular Check-ins and Reviews

Scheduled check-ins and performance reviews during the initial months of employment provide an opportunity to address any issues and recalibrate expectations as needed. These sessions foster open communication and help build a trusting relationship between the new physician and the organization.

6. Keeping Up With Continuing Education

Balancing clinical duties with the need for continuous learning and professional development can be challenging for new physicians.

Structured Continuing Education Programs

Providing a structured continuing education program as part of the physician onboarding process can help new hires stay up-to-date with required training and certifications. Allocating dedicated time for professional development within their schedule can also ensure that new physicians have the opportunity to advance their skills without compromising their clinical responsibilities.

Professional Development Opportunities

Offering various professional development opportunities, such as workshops, seminars, and online courses, ensures that new physicians can continue their education flexibly. Encouraging participation in relevant conferences and providing access to the latest medical research can also support ongoing learning.

Time Allocation for Learning

Allocating specific time for continuing education within the physician’s work schedule can help them balance clinical duties and professional development. This approach underscores the organization’s commitment to its growth and development.

7. Accounting for Feedback and Communication

New physicians may feel uncertain about their performance without regular feedback and open communication channels and disconnected from the organization.

Establishing Regular Feedback Sessions

Establishing regular feedback sessions and maintaining open communication channels can help new physicians feel supported and valued. Constructive feedback not only aids in professional growth but also enhances job satisfaction and retention.

Constructive Feedback

Providing regular, constructive feedback helps new physicians understand their strengths and areas for improvement. Feedback should be specific, actionable, and delivered in a supportive manner to encourage growth and development.

Open Communication Channels

Creating open communication channels where new physicians can freely express their concerns and seek guidance is crucial. This can include regular one-on-one meetings with supervisors, anonymous suggestion boxes, and opportunities for peer feedback.

Streamline Your Physician Onboarding Process With PRS

The physician onboarding process is integral to the success and retention of new hires. At PRS, we support physicians transitioning from medical school to residency by helping them understand their financial standing and navigate their new roles. Our comprehensive services help ensure new physicians are well-prepared and satisfied.

Contact PRS today to learn how we can support your organization in creating an effective and streamlined onboarding experience.

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Robin Bales – AGENT

Robin has owned a Commercial Leasing Company providing financing to doctors and other operators for their equipment beginning in 2007. After the global crash of 2008, she went to work for NYL and spent 3 years there working with other entrepreneurs securing their retirement future and safeguarding their personal asset risks. Robin opened her own agency in 2017 Legacy by Design and has run a national firm coast to coast with 50-70 agents. Today the agency is much smaller serving 5 agents who share the same vision and passion for our clients focusing on health insurance, Medicare, and annuities.

Robin is most connected to ethos of PRS mission to improve the lives of doctors and their families. Supporting those who run the leading infrastructure of our country.

Robin has been married for 22 years to her husband Steven. Together they have 3 girls and have built a family with strong values and commitment to each others successes. Robin’s family are home bodies by nature and enjoy their 3 dogs hanging in living room or kitchen.

Kevin Burris – PARAPLANNER

Kevin received his BA and MBA from Indiana University, earned the Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation from the University of Georgia, and Retirement Income Certified Professional (RICP) designation from the American College. Kevin is looking forward to helping physicians live their best life. Kevin enjoys spending time on the lake with his wife, playing golf, and watching Indiana University sports.

Michael Kohles – AGENT

Michael attended Lake Michigan College and Siena Heights University, graduating magna cum lade with a Bachelor of Business Administration, with a major in Finance and minor in Marketing. Michael has been in the financial services industry since 2015 and has experience with multiple insurance verticals. Michael is excited to help physicians achieve their financial goals by providing insurance solutions. Michael is married to Erin and has 4 children. Michael also enjoys reading, golfing, playing poker, learning, and traveling.

Erin Kohles – UNDERWRITING PROCESSOR

Erin supports our advisors and clients during the insurance underwriting process in multiple ways. On a given day, she helps by processing applications, tracking and following up on open cases, and answering client questions. She appreciates the part she plays in helping clients prepare for the future, and she strives to make the process as simple and efficient as possible.

Erin has been in the insurance industry for two years and brings with her six and eight years of experience in accounting and quality control, respectively. She graduated from Ball State University and has her life & health and property & casualty insurance licenses. In her free time, she enjoys cheering on her two boys who play basketball, soccer, and baseball; traveling with her husband; and playing with their Yorkie, Mingo.

Gabriela Chavez – ANALYST

At Physicians Resource Service Gabby plays a pivotal role in Paul’s advisory team, staying in close contact with clients, driving business development, and lending a hand in daily operational tasks. Additionally, she collaborates with CPA Erin Anderson to prepare tax returns, conduct withholding reviews and undertake various tasks across the division.

Gabby is currently double-majoring in accounting and finance at the University of the Incarnate World in San Antonio, and she plans to sit for her Certified Financial Planning exam in the fall of 2022. Before transferring to UIW, she attended the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in Edinburg, Texas. Gabby was born in Germany and is Mexican American. She loves to travel and has visited 11 different countries. She has a five-year-old pug named Penny.

Erin Anderson – CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANT

As a certified public accountant, Erin is a valuable part of our tax division at PRS. She enjoys working with our advisors to develop tax-efficient strategies, and she strives to provide clarity for every client she serves. Erin started her career as an accountant after graduating from Oklahoma State University in 2012 with a master’s degree. She earned her CPA license in 2018. Erin and her husband have two little boys, and they love spending time outdoors as a family and watching OSU football.

Alex Simmons – BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Alex oversees Business Development at Physician’s Resource Services. She works with each department to assist in continually improving PRS so we remain a leading competitor in the industry. Alex graduated from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Energy Commerce. She is a Texas native who loves to spend her free time traveling and taking her pup, Teddi, to the dog park.

Karli Allen – HEAD OF WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Karli is a graduate of The Master’s University in Santa Clarita, CA, and has a business degree with emphases in accounting, finance, and management. Karli has been in the financial services industry since 2014 and joined the PRS team in 2018.

Karli oversees investment and financial planning operations and assists with the onboarding and service of the firm’s advisory clients.  Karli was a key part of our firm’s custodial transition to Fidelity in 2019 as part of our decision to become an independent investment advisory firm.  Before joining PRS, Karli worked in personal financial planning in Orange County, California.  She also holds a FINRA Series 65 license. Karli is grateful to be a part of such an amazing team.

Outside of work, Karli enjoys traveling, playing golf, and spending time with her husband and their goldendoodle.

Jennifer Khan- UNDERWRITING SPECIALIST

Jennifer is an Underwriting Specialist at Physician’s Resource Services, with an extensive background in customer service and administration. Jennifer grew up in Texas, graduated from Southeast Missouri State University with a BFA in Theatre, and spent six years in Chicago performing sketch and improv. She is a graduate of the Conservatory Program at The Second City and iO Chicago. Jennifer and her husband, Qamar, moved to Texas with their dachshund mix, Dobby, to be closer to family, sunshine, and good BBQ.

Cheryl Breeden – OFFICE MANAGER

Cheryl is the Business Manager for the firm and a licensed service assistant. She graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. She has years of experience in the areas of process management, customer service, benefits, and insurance. Cheryl has three girls — Ashley, Hannah, & Olivia. She brings this experience to our firm where she manages the underwriting and service process. She also manages the business operations for the firm.

John C. Jackson IV – ASSOCIATE FINANCIAL CONSULTANT

John is an agent from Austin, TX, a graduate of Westlake High School and The University of Texas at Austin, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and a Minor in Business Administration. While at UT, John was a 2-Time Captain and 4-Time All-Conference performer for the men’s lacrosse team. While away from the office, John coaches with the Westlake Youth Lacrosse program and volunteers with Austin’s Young Men’s Business League, and Austin Sunshine Camps.

Chris Fullbright – FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Chris brings experience in financial services and the perspective of a successful entrepreneur who has launched several businesses. With over a decade in the industry, he has served as both an advisor and in a management role coaching new advisors. Chris attended the University of Georgia and Texas State University and graduated with a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences.

He currently holds many financial services licenses and designations including FINRA Group One, Series 6, Series 63, Series 65, Series 7, ARPC, and Certification in Long Term Care (CLTC). In his free time he enjoys being involved in the local community through organizations such as Comfort Crew for Military Kids. Chris is also an active member of Austin Christian Fellowship Church, and enjoys spending time there as well as reading, fishing, and going to sporting events. He is happily married to Monique with two wonderful sons. In addition to serving physicians, Chris specializes in working with special needs families.

Paul Smith, CFP® ChFC® MSFS – FINANCIAL ADVISOR

Paul has helped his clients in financial, business, and estate planning for over 10 years. Paul is a graduate of Texas State University, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology. He has also completed the extensive studies necessary to earn the Certified Financial Planners (CFP®) and Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC®) designations. Paul is actively involved in the community through his volunteer work and service on Community Action Board for the Helping Hand Home for Children. Paul is married to Heather and they have two children, Nyla and Hazel.

Richard Cunningham – MANAGING DIRECTOR

For 30 years, Richard has been helping clients reach their financial goals with sincerity and integrity. He works with GME program administrators, individual physicians and their families to help doctors achieve financial security. Richard is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics. He studied in Paris at the Sorbonne. Richard supports numerous charitable organizations, is actively involved in Austin Recovery, and he participates in the Leukemia Lymphoma Society as a survivor of CML. Richard is married to Adrienne with two children, Raven and Coates.