This month we introduce this new column to discuss non-clinical topics that are important for gastroenterologists in training or the early stages of their careers to consider and understand.

As you approach the end of your GI fellowship, deciding on your preferred practice setting and securing your first job can feel confusing and overwhelming. A successful job interview requires self-awareness, preparation, and a methodical approach to the interview.

This guide outlines 5 key steps to help you optimize your job search and interview experience, so you secure the role that is right for you.

Step 1. Know Yourself

“Know thyself”—a maxim inscribed on the Temple of Apollo in ancient Delphi—serves as the foundation for every successful job search. Before submitting applications, take time to reflect on your career goals and personal priorities. Understanding what you truly want is the first and most crucial step in finding the right fit. Ask yourself these key questions:

What kind of practice do I want? Do I envision a career with a strong academic focus, or would I prefer a nonacademic setting? Am I more drawn to general GI, interventional endoscopy, hepatology, inflammatory bowel disease, or another subspecialty within our field?

What practice setting suits me best? Urban or rural? Hospital-based role or outpatient practice? Do I seek employment or ownership involvement?

What are my family’s needs and lifestyle preferences? Remember the timeless adage: “When your life works, your work works.” Your job choice is just one part of a larger context in which you should consider the well-being and preferences of your family and loved ones.

Which of these aspects are nonnegotiable? Once you have answered the above questions, prioritize the answers. If you can’t have everything, what matters most?

If you’ve only known the structure of academic training programs, the idea of making these decisions with confidence may feel overwhelming. That’s completely normal, but don’t let that stop you from trying to determine what will work best for you. What is your best guess based on what you know right now? As your career progresses, you will gain more experience, circumstances will evolve, and you may need to adapt your plans. But that’s no reason to avoid planning altogether. Plan, evaluate, adjust, repeat!

Step 2. Narrow the Field

Once you have a clear vision of your “ideal job,” you can use various resources to identify potential practice opportunities.

Word-of-mouth recommendations from colleagues, faculty, and former fellows;

Professional society websites, including those from the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, American College of Gastroenterology, American Gastroenterological Association, and American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases;

Networking events at national and regional GI meetings; online platforms such as LinkedIn and professional journals; and

Recruiting firms, which also can be helpful but are not always necessary. Do not assume these entities prioritize your needs over their own incentives and bonus payments for placing applicants.

Begin your search at least 12 to 18 months before the end of your training. Identify several target practices for your interviews and prioritize them. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Even if you’re confident about your preferred destination and optimistic about receiving an offer, it’s wise to have a Plan B. A backup option not only provides peace of mind but also strengthens your position when negotiating the best possible job agreement.

Step 3: Pre-Visit Planning

Thorough preparation is essential for making a strong impression and gathering the information needed for an informed decision. As Abraham Lincoln famously said, “Give me six hours to chop down a tree, and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” Thoughtful preparation not only boosts your confidence but also demonstrates genuine interest in the position, helping you stand out from other candidates. Here’s how to sharpen your interview preparation:

Understand the practice setting. Familiarize yourself with key aspects of the type of practice you are about to visit. Leverage resources from professional societies, practice management conferences, and insight from colleagues with experience in similar settings.

Gather practice-specific information. Explore the practice’s website and reach out to personal contacts, if possible. Understand the group’s size, physician demographics, leadership structure, and overall organization

Identify personal touchpoints. Investigate the backgrounds of the providers to find potential conversation starters, such as shared training institutions, professional connections, or common hobbies.

Assess market position. Take time to analyze the practice’s role within its geographic market. Identify key competitors, hospital affiliations, and relevant demographic factors, such as the population size of the city and surrounding area.

Prepare your questions. Develop a list of thoughtful questions to ask during the interview, such as the following:

• What do providers like and dislike about the group? What would they change, if possible?
• Why is the practice hiring (eg, replacing a provider or expanding)?
• What are the expectations of the role as far as building the practice, and how are referrals generated?
• What is the path to partnership or career advancement? Who decides and what are the criteria?

Questions about compensation, call schedules, and other logistics are important but may be best saved until after discussing broader, high-level aspects of the role.

Jot down your questions on an index card and bring it to the interview. During breaks, review your list to track which questions have been asked and answered, ensuring all key points are addressed before the interview ends.

Step 4. The Interview Visit

During your visit, maintain professionalism while being authentic. Remember, you are both performer and audience. Use these strategic approaches to gather valuable insight.

• Engage with physicians as well as nurses and administrative staff to assess the practice culture.
• Ask different individuals the same questions and compare their responses. Are they consistent with one another?
• If you have the opportunity to sit in a waiting area, observe patient interactions and overall clinic dynamics.
• Consider inquiring about providers who have left the practice recently and whether you may contact them. They may be able to provide you with additional valuable insight.

Remember that your goal for the interview is to ensure all your questions are answered; to present yourself as an engaged, competent, and likable physician; and to determine whether the practice is a good fit and its philosophy aligns with your own regarding professional values, quality patient care, and work–life balance.

Step 5. Post-Visit Due Diligence

After the interview, take time to reflect on your experience. What was your initial gut feeling? Does it still hold true with the benefit of hindsight?

• Compare the pros and cons of the position offered relative to other opportunities.
• Send a thank-you note to express your appreciation, regardless of your decision.
• If you are considering the position, request a copy of the practice bylaws and a draft contract and review them in detail.
• Avoid making unnecessary concessions before understanding the full offer and contractual terms.
• Consult a healthcare employment attorney before signing anything. While not cheap, their guidance is invaluable in optimizing your contract and avoiding legal pitfalls.

Finally, trust your instincts. After a few days of reflection, does this job still feel like the right fit? Can you see yourself thriving in this environment, working with this team, and fulfilling the role expected of you? If the answer isn’t an unambiguous “yes,” no salary offer alone should sway your decision.

Landing your ideal job requires more than simply showcasing your training and credentials. Success comes from strategic preparation, thoughtful planning, and diligent follow-up to ensure the role aligns with both your professional aspirations and personal needs. Seek guidance when needed, stay proactive, and approach the process with confidence. Best of luck!

Feel free to reach out to me with any questions at klausmergener@aol.com.