The Early Career Phase: Fostering Physician Well-being Over the Career Life Cycle

Abstract

This article is the second chapter in a series of 5 articles considering the different stages of physicians’ career life cycle. The present article focuses on exploring the early career phase. The early career phase represents an exciting time when physicians establish themselves in independent practice and develop their professional identity. Despite the excitement and opportunity of this phase, it is marked by several challenges, including those related to navigating new practice settings, defining and integrating one’s personal and professional priorities, and developing a long-term approach to a physician career. Organizations can support physicians’ effective navigation of the early career phase in multiple ways, ranging from the provision of individual supports such as mentorship and coaching to enhancing care processes and provision of standard supports for supporting work-life integration. Ultimately, organizations have a unique opportunity to bring early career physicians into the fold as satisfied colleagues and ensure they are set on the path to long and fulfilling careers.