Scalpel and Schedule: Why Contract Work for Surgeons Is a Precise Fit

Many surgeons are drawn to traditional long-term employment when they begin practicing. They often feel it’s the logical choice because it offers certainty and stability. It’s not necessarily the ideal choice for all surgeons, though. Full-time, long-term positions in hospitals or private practices come with heavy workloads and long hours. At the same time, many surgeons find that they’re forced spend far more time on administrative duties than they ever imagined. 

Those factors, combined with little time off and extremely unforgiving schedules, can wear down anyone. They can easily destroy a surgeons’ work-life balance, leave them unsatisfied with their career, and lead to burnout. Fortunately, traditional employment isn’t the only option; contract work for surgeons offers an alternative to the norm, and it’s a precise fit for some. 

More Flexibility

One of the main advantages of contract work is the added flexibility it offers. Numerous openings are available at any given time in different locations and healthcare settings, for varying durations, and with different schedules. Surgeons can choose the assignments that suit their needs and preferences. Instead of being committed to a specific, and potentially unyielding, schedule for years on end, surgeons can find schedules that work for them, take vacations or long breaks between assignments, and develop healthier work-life balances. 

Higher Earning Potential

Contract positions often pay more than conventional full-time jobs as well. In many cases, hospitals are willing to pay a premium to attract skilled surgeons and fill urgent needs. Additionally, surgeons can choose only the assignments with salaries that align with their expectations. They can also negotiate their salaries with potential employers.

Contract work doesn’t always come with the same benefits packages as long-term employment, which can be a drawback. Still, the higher salaries, more flexible schedules, and other advantages tend to outweigh the downsides. Furthermore, when surgeons partner with healthcare staffing agencies, they may be able to get assistance with moving and housing expenses, malpractice coverage, and a range of additional inclusions to further offset the lack of conventional benefits. 

Gaining Broader Experience

Furthermore, contract work can give surgeons a broader range of experience than they’d gain in long-term positions. They can work in different settings and with varying patient demographics. They work with a variety of teams and patient care models as well. All those differences allows surgeons to expand their skills and teach them to more easily adapt to different situations. Each assignment can bring them a new range of challenges and learning experiences. 

More Focus on Patient Care

As mentioned, one of the downsides of traditional permanent employment for surgeons is the administrative burden that comes along with it. Many find that it takes away from their time with patients and leaves them spending more time than they’d like in the office. With contract work, administrative duties are usually left to support staff members. That gives surgeons more time with their patients and allows them to focus on the clinical side of their work. 

Balancing Scalpel and Schedule

Contract work can bring surgeons several benefits. Those include more flexibility and a higher earning potential. It can give surgeons a wealth of experience in different settings as well. On top of that, it can give them more time to focus on taking care of patients and less time spent on paperwork. Though contract work isn’t right for everyone, it can certainly be the perfect fit for some.