Reviewing de-identified copies of the candidate’s prior history and physicals or consult notes may provide an impression of quality of documentation, consciousness of therapeutic risks and medico-legal awareness.
In common with any staffing decision, a candidate’s professional dress and mature demeanor throughout the interview process is a sine qua non for hire.
Lastly, family or personal experience in other businesses may convey an appreciation of the realities of sustaining a productive relationship.
What APCs Want in an Attending & a Practice
During the symposium, there was an even split in a participant show of hands: Half of the APCs in rheumatology sought out rheumatology as their target career, and half were just looking to get a job. Nonetheless, the rheumatologist should be aware of the attributes APCs find desirable in a rheumatologist and their practice organization.
Experienced rheumatology APCs agree that they look for evidence of personal and social responsibility and a record of keeping commitments. They say these are “foundational.” A love of teaching, an excellent bedside manner, a sense of humor and inclusive behavior are desirable. There should be a unified front presented by the supervising rheumatologist and practice administration on a well-defined plan for training and development, empowerment of the APC at the top of their license, involvement of the APC in the full spectrum of disease management and implementation of the methods of communication and operational interaction. These elements must be conveyed clearly and unambiguously.
Open dialogue on clinical matters and business matters should be the norm. Transparency with regard to salary, benefits and how production is tracked and rewarded is expected.
Of paramount importance to sustainability of the relationship of the APC with the rheumatologist and practice is that the APC be viewed as the professional they aspire to be.
Is the practice stable, yet progressive with regard to implementing newer technology, clinical research, student training and participation in databases? What was the turnover rate among staff in the past three years? Is there diversity among personnel? Is there goal congruity within the practice?
Working interviews in which an APC candidate who passes muster in an initial interview then shadows the rheumatologist (and any established APCs in the practice) mutually allow the APC to get a picture of the culture of the practice and the rheumatologist to probe the APC’s thought processes. During such activity, the APC may also gather clues about whether other personnel, such as RNs and licensed practical nurses, are working below their capabilities.
