Journal of Continuing Education in the Health Professions



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CURRENT ISSUE BACK ISSUES SUBSCRIBE ADVERTISE ABOUT JCEHP FOR AUTHORS JCEHP AWARD SEARCH (Members only) FULL-TEXT		Volume 31 (3) Volume 31, Issue 3, Summer 2011 J Contin Educ Health Prof 2011; 31(3):151-156 ORIGINAL RESEARCH Moving into medical practice in a new community: The transition experience Jocelyn Lockyer, Keith Wycliffe-Jones, Maitreyi Raman, Amonpreet Sandhu, Herta Fidler A b s t r a c t Introduction: Physicians undertake many transitions during the course of a medical career. The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of physicians who moved to a new community. Methods: A semistructured interview format was used to explore transitional experiences, including reasons for moving; the role of colleagues, learning, and organizational structures; how various mediating factors affected perceptions; and how the experience affected the physicians personally. We used qualitative methods in which data were collected, coded, and analyzed concurrently. Results: 20 physicians from family medicine, internal medicine, and pediatrics described their experiences. Both the professional context and the geographic location affected physicians' perceptions of the move. Both internal and external mediating factors appeared to influence how physicians experienced and adjusted to the move. Physicians who joined functioning units appeared to have fewer problems. The physicians who had more difficulty were physicians who did not come to a specific job, often coming as the result of a spousal move; did not have a professional network in the city; had not sorted out licensure requirements; and were entering community (not institutional) practice. Discussion: This study demonstrates the critical nature of institutional support structures to integrate the newcomer, collegial relationships within the workplace, and the importance of family and friends in mediating the adjustment period. Consideration should be given to structured mentorship or peer-buddy programs and longitudinal educational programs (eg, rounds) that may enable physicians to establish networks and gain practical local knowledge quickly. Lessons For Practice Physicians entering a new community are affected by the professional context (workplace) and geographic location (city/community) in their new situation. Internal (personal) and external factors (people and networks) mediate the experience. Physicians who are pragmatic about the move, have moved previously, have few encumbrances, have supportive spouses/partners, or have previously lived in the city appear to have fewer difficulties. Organizations may minimize difficulties associated with a move by providing administrative support, fostering a collegial workplace, creating mentor or “buddy” systems, and encouraging physicians to participate in longitudinal learning experiences (eg, rounds) to create professional and social networks.
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