“The Gap,” Transitioning from Graduate to Doctor
Guest Post – Drew Heide, OD
The day the Doctor of Optometry class of 2014 looked forward to for the last eight years–graduation–has come and gone. Now what?
Before graduates can even start on their lengthy “To Do” list of state licensure, insurance provider panels, DEA numbers, NPI numbers, disability insurance, and professional liability insurance they have to do one important thing–find a job! The choices, options, and locations are numerous. Graduates may pursue private practice associateship, residency, starting a practice cold, or part time fill-in work to name a few. Not all new graduates will find their chosen position immediately. So how can new graduates prepare during this gap of time, however long or short it may be?
- Network and develop relationships – Schedule times to meet with and even shadow ophthalmologists in your community that you may refer patients to in the the future. If you are joining a practice, find out who they refer to for cataract extractions, lid surgeries, retinal specialists, etc. Being able to put a face with a doctor’s name is not only beneficial for you as a new doctor but also for the surgeons to become acquainted with you. This gives you insight about the ophthalmologist’s skills and techniques and how they may want patients co-managed. Also, meet with other optometrists in your community who provide specialty care such as low vision, vision therapy, pediatrics, or sports vision. You will want to refer your patients to someone you know and trust.
- Become comfortable with Electronic Medical Records – If you are able, spend time navigating the world of your future EMR software and take the time to become comfortable with it. Learn the format, the necessary steps to complete a chart, and the flow from the patient walking in the door and checking in to when they check out. Learn what portions of the exam need to be completed to appropriately bill insurance. Find out how you as a new doctor can make EMR uncomplicated for your staff and most importantly the patient. This preparation will increase your confidence and decrease the stress for your first day of practice.
- Optometric Association Involvement – If you were not already involved with state and national optometric associations during optometry school, become a member now and get involved. State associations will help you get plugged in with local doctors and state-run organizations. The AOA, which can be found at aoa.org, can give insight to many new areas for new graduates like: disability insurance, liability insurance, and HIPAA compliance, along with many other tools and resources. Both state and national associations will be a benefit to you throughout your entire optometric career.
- Be a fly on the wall – If you have a job lined up and are waiting to receive your state license, ask to be a fly on the wall at the practice. Spend time in the dispensary observing how they order and dispense glasses. Follow technicians during pretesting or special testing. Watch how patients are checked in, how appointments are scheduled, and how insurance billing is handled. Observe and ask questions. As a doctor you most likely won’t be performing any of these procedures, but you will soon be a new member to this team. Knowing the patient flow will be valuable in making a smooth transition for you and everyone else on your team. Understanding your role and responsibilities in your new position will help reduce the learning curve every new graduate doctor experiences.
Whatever practice setting you are pursuing, and however long “The Gap” may be, use the time to prepare yourself. Optometry school may be over, but never stop learning. We have pursued a career that is always evolving and changing, that is why it is called the practice of optometry.
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” – Benjamin Franklin
Drew Heide, a 2014 graduate from Northeastern State University Oklahoma College of Optometry will be practicing at Wichita Optometry, P.A. in Wichita, KS.
