You’ve made it through residency – years of hard work, long hours, steep learning curves, and countless moments of growth. Now, you’re standing at the edge of something new: the transition from training to practice.

It’s exciting, but let’s be honest, it can also feel overwhelming.

At Relias Healthcare, we’ve walked alongside new physicians as they’ve taken this leap, and we’ve learned a few things along the way. Whether you’re headed toward emergency medicine, hospital medicine, or still weighing your options, we’re here to provide clear, practical guidance so you can make decisions with confidence and clarity.

The Do’s and Don’ts from a Clinical Perspective

DO: Seek environments that support your continued growth.
The learning doesn’t stop when residency ends. Look for groups where you’ll receive structured onboarding, mentorship, and clinical feedback that helps you strengthen both skills and confidence.

DON’T: Underestimate the importance of your team.
You’ll thrive in environments where collaboration is real not just lip service. Ask about APC support, shift dynamics, and how teams communicate under pressure.

DO: Advocate for sustainability from the start.
Burnout is real. Prioritize organizations that take wellness seriously and encourage realistic scheduling, shared responsibilities, and ongoing dialogue about workload and balance.

Aligning Career Decisions with Your Lifestyle

Your job is a big part of your life but it’s not your whole life. When evaluating opportunities, ask:

• Does this schedule allow for the family time or personal space I need?
• Will this role support the way I want to live outside the hospital?
• Am I excited about where this career choice will take me personally and professionally?

We work with residents every year to help them align their career choices with their values, and not just their CV.

What Really Matters

Here’s what we believe you should focus on in your early career:

• Support: Is the leadership accessible? Are you set up for success?
• Stability: Is there room to grow and evolve with the team?
• Transparency: Are expectations, compensation, and feedback clearly communicated?
• Culture: Do you feel seen and respected, not just as a clinician, but as a person?

At Relias, we’re not just offering a job we’re offering a place to practice with purpose, where your voice matters and your wellness is a priority.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

We’re here to walk with you whether you need help reviewing a contract, exploring a new market, or just want to talk through your goals with someone who gets it. We’re proud to partner with new physicians during this big moment of transition and help them build careers that are both sustainable and deeply meaningful.

Because your transition matters. And so do you.

📩 Interested in learning more? Reach out to us here:

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