Helpful Hints When Beginning Medical Practice

• Being an early career physician can be difficult. You are transitioning from being a learner with built in supports to working in a new environment and in some cases, establishing your own practice or medical clinic. 
• We know rates of burnout and depression can be higher for those in their first five years of practice. Become familiar with the physician health and wellness supports available to you BEFORE you may need them. Knowing these resources could also enable you to better support a colleague. If you or a colleague ever need support, please connect with one of the programs supported through Doctors Manitoba. More information about services and eligibility requirements can be found in this resource. 
• Consider becoming a Mentor or being mentored. The Doctors Manitoba Mentorship Program has mentorship groups consisting of physicians at all stages of their career journey. Engagement with colleagues and connection with other physicians and medical learners is an important way to give and receive support as you transition into the next stage of your career. 
• Get financial advice early and make a financial plan for the long term. The decisions you make today will have a direct impact on your options and choices as your career progresses. MD Financial may be able to provide advice specific for physicians.
• Buy insurance when you are young as there will be more accessible options available to you. Insurance will be less expensive and easier to access when you are younger, potentially with fewer pre-existing conditions or prior to the potential development of a chronic condition. Doctors Manitoba has also partnered with the Professional Association of Residents and Interns of Manitoba (PARIM) to provide all those physicians in a Manitoba residency program with a comprehensive insurance package. 
• Familiarize yourself with Doctors Manitoba practice supports to optimize billing practices, understand all available negotiated benefits, and supports related to health and wellness, and illness, for members and their families. 
• Learn about the requirements and supports available through The College of Family Physicians of Canada, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, and the Canadian Medical Protective Association which may impact you in your journey as a practicing physician. 
• Embrace electronic medical records and avoid paper charts. Digitizing your practice will make it easier to securely maintain, transfer and store medical records.