Preface

The Louisiana Academy of Family Physicians (LAFP) along with the Independent Practice Taskforce prepared this manual to guide residents, fellows and new physicians (defined as being in practice for seven years or less) during the critical transition from training to independent practice. Being a New Family Physician is a new and exciting time in your life.  Finding your way in a new practice environment takes time and expertise in areas you may not be familiar with yet.  While questions such as, “Which type of practice should I enter?” “How do I negotiate a contract?” and “How do I get paid?” are vitally important as you navigate your career path, they may not have been at the forefront to ask faculty mentors when working through the rigors of residency and fellowship training.

The LAFP is here to supply you with information, resources and support while you begin your journey.  For the first years of your journey in family medicine, lean into an array of information and tools designed to address your needs and help you navigate your career. This guide will provide you with information essential in starting a new medical practice.  This guide should not only serve as a resource as you determine what type of practice to enter, but can also help you consider important factors when deciding where you would like to practice as well as provide information on the job search process, contract negotiations, and physician compensation models. Most importantly, this guide also offers wellness tools to help optimize work-life balance and combat burnout.