Geography
Like matching to fellowship, you are already debating where to live in the mid- to long term post-fellowship. You may already have engaged with a recruiter from a particular practice you are interested in. This is a good start.
Look around, but remember your first job may not necessarily be your last job. You can always change to another position. At the same time, choose a position you know you would be comfortable with for at least three years (preferably even longer).
Most employers, whether academic centers or private practice, have non-compete clauses, and some may suggest that you won’t be able to work in the same city for a certain amount of time (usually one or two years) after you leave a position. This fact will force you to move to another city or region. So think carefully before choosing a position. Although the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a sweeping ban on non-compete agreements in 2024, the measure has yet to take effect; a nationwide injunction has stalled its implementation, casting uncertainty on its validity. You may want to talk to a lawyer before signing a non-compete.
Where to Look
If you are interested in academic positions, email the department you are curious about. If they have openings, the coordinator will forward your email to the hiring department, and they will invite you for an interview. Remember that most interviews are online or over the phone. This gives you the flexibility to schedule them one after the other. Some other interviews may be over dinner.
If you are interested in private practice jobs, check out website listings on the ACR’s CareerConnection, Health Careers, JAMA’s Career Center or Jackson Physician Search.
Those websites have recruiters nationwide to help you connect to different practices and businesses. I am not affiliated with any of them, and I have used them successfully. Don’t be disappointed by job ads that don’t suit you at first glance because they could still be a good learning experience. If I had it to do over, I would have started looking in the first year of my fellowship.
For networking opportunities with rheumatologists from around the country (and the world), attend national meetings, such as ACR Convergence, the ACR’s State-of-the-Art Clinical Symposium and the meeting of the Coalition of State Rheumatology Organizations (CSRO).
The Interview
The best place to start is the ACR career fair, which includes representatives from academia and private practices who are looking for suitable candidates. You can participate in the career fair at the end of your first year of fellowship. In 2024, a mix of phone and Zoom meetings occurred with fellows. The contacts you make give you good places to start your job search and give you a broad idea of the job market. You should ask about:
