First Year “Must Do’s”: Prepared for Building a Clinical Practice

Abstract

The leap from graduating chief resident or fellow to attending physician is one of the most critical and daunting times in a surgeon’s career. Here, we have outlined key “must dos” in the first year to ensure that milestones are reached and the research mission and personal/family life does not suffer during the course of building an academic clinical practice. This includes identifying requirements for board certification early and planning backwards from these dates; developing a strategic debt management plan, retirement and insurance plan; keeping a case log and identifying clinical mentors. The basics of laboratory set up including how to leverage mentors’ experience when hiring laboratory staff, negotiating research regulations, and curating a reputation are emphasized.