QuestionDr. Aukerman,
Hello, I am a third year medical student who is considering a career in family medicine. I have narrowed down my choices to FP vs. anesthesiology. These are the 2 rotations that I have enjoyed the most, however, I am having difficulty choosing between the two. I love clinic and the idea of continuity of care, but every time I tell someone (including MDs) that I might do FP they try to discourage me. I am hearing that the lifestyle is poor (work a ton of hours, pts constantly calling, on call a lot, etc.), pay is too low (difficulty paying back student loans), and reimbursement from insurance companies is very poor and continuing to decline. When I mention that I might do anesthesia everyone tells me it is a great field to get into (lifestyle-wise) but the demand is constantly changing. Anesthesia is pretty tempting but I don't know if I want to be in an OR every day all day, and something keeps pulling me towards FP. I was hoping that you could tell me whether or not FP is really as bad as they say? Are you constantly struggling with insurance companies? Is call all that bad? Do most FPs have off on weekends/holidays? Are PACs and CRNPs taking over? Did you recommend FP to your children who are in medicine? I know these are a lot of questions and I don't expect you to tell me which one to choose, but I was hoping to get some inside information from someone who knows first hand. I hope you can enlighten me!
Thank you!
Jennifer Reese
AnswerI was hoping that you could tell me whether or not FP is really as bad as they say? I have never had a bad day in 40 years, of which 26 years were rural private practice and 14 year have been academic. I would recommend do a specialty of Family Medicine in holistic medicine since it draws the type of patients who take care of themselves and never call if call bothers you. I have always been in the top 10% of all physicians in income and now in the top 5% due to the medical director jobs, plus a full academic and 50% clinical job, something only family doctors seem to be able to do.
Are you constantly struggling with insurance companies?
Actually, I am also the medical director for 2 insurance companies so I know how the system works and have zero hassle.
Is call all that bad? I like call but my partners(2) do not have any call.
Do most FPs have off on weekends/holidays? Yes, they share call if they want to do any call at all.
Are PACs and CRNPs taking over? Not really since they do not have independent licenses.
Did you recommend FP to your children who are in medicine?
Actually I have 4 children, the oldest son is a chef, the oldest daughter is a family physician in Ft Wayne in public health dept with no evenings, weekends or holiday call, my youngest son is a family physician sport med CAQ who it the head Team physician for Penn State and my youngest daughter is in internal medicine residency at West Virginia University in Morgantown, WV
Keep in mind that the negative advice you get will generally be from people who do not have people skills and do not want a long term relationship with their patients, i.e., anesthesiologist have none.
