How to Choose the Right Physician Job (Without Regretting It Later)

Key Takeaways

• Your first job sets the foundation for your career—choose wisely.
• Location is everything. Family, cost of living, and job market demand all matter.
• No job is perfect, but you can get close by prioritizing what matters most to you.
• Burnout is real. Pick a job that supports your long-term well-being.
• Most physicians stay in their first job’s location—so think long-term.

1. What Does the “Right” Physician Job Look Like?

A great salary, work-life balance, and a job you actually enjoy—is that too much to ask?

Not really. But getting all three takes effort.

Most physicians want:
✔️ A salary that reflects their value.
✔️ A schedule that doesn’t wreck their mental health.
✔️ A location where they can actually see their family.
✔️ A patient mix that keeps things interesting.

Reality check: No job is perfect, but if you don’t prioritize what actually matters to you, you’ll regret it.

2. The Role of Location in Your Decision

📍 Nearly half of all doctors end up staying where they trained.

Why?
✔️ They’ve built local connections.
✔️ They’re already comfortable with the hospital systems.
✔️ They get recruited before they even start looking elsewhere.

If you love where you trained, staying might be the easiest path.

But if you’re open to relocating, ask yourself:

• Where do I want to live for the next 10+ years?
• What kind of lifestyle do I want outside of medicine?
• Do I need to be near family for childcare or support?

🔗 Check out AAMC’s physician specialty report to see where doctors in your field tend to practice.

3. Family and Career Considerations

👶 Kids or planning for them? Family nearby can mean free childcare and emotional support.

💼 Spouse’s career? Moving may not be realistic if they have stability where you are.

🏡 Long-term stability? Do you actually want to settle down here?

For some, sticking close to family wins. For others, the best job offer takes priority. Which one are you?

4. Lifestyle: Will You Actually Be Happy Living There?

Your job is one thing. Your life is another.

What do you want when you’re not at the hospital?

• 🌲 Love skiing? The Rockies might be for you.
• 🌊 Want ocean views? Look at coastal cities.
• ⛳ Year-round golf? Arizona or Florida could work.
• 🏙️ Need city life? Big metro areas = more job opportunities.

Burnout is real. If you pick a location that doesn’t fit your lifestyle, your job will feel even harder.

5. Cost of Living: Can You Afford the Life You Want?

A $250K salary in San Francisco is not the same as a $250K salary in Texas.

Before signing a contract, run the numbers.

💰 Housing prices – Can you afford a home in a safe area?
📊 State taxes – Some states (Texas, Florida, Tennessee) have no state income tax.
🎓 School quality – If you have kids, this is a huge factor.
🏥 Healthcare access – What’s the local hospital system like?

📌 Use a cost-of-living calculator before you commit.

6. Where Are the Best Job Markets for Physicians?

Some states consistently rank higher for healthcare opportunities and quality.

📊 Top-ranked states for healthcare performance:
🏆 Minnesota
🏆 Vermont
🏆 Hawaii
🏆 Massachusetts
🏆 Connecticut

🚩 States with lower healthcare rankings (often physician shortages):
⚠️ Many Southern states struggle with lower healthcare funding.

If job security matters, check where demand for your specialty is highest.

🔗 Check The Commonwealth Fund’s State Scorecard for healthcare rankings.

7. Resources to Help You Choose the Best Location

📍 Money Magazine’s Best Places to Live – Ranks cities based on economy, crime, schools, and more.

📍 Sperling’s Best Places – Compare cities based on lifestyle preferences.

📍 Kiplinger’s Best Cities – Focuses on financial and tax considerations.

📚 Books for deeper research:

• Places Rated Almanac – David Savageau
• Best Places to Raise Your Family – Bert Sperling & Peter Sander
• 101 Best Outdoor Towns – Sara Tuff

Choose Wisely—Because You’ll Likely Stay There

Most physicians change jobs 2-3 times, but many stay in the same city.

✅ Think long-term. Will you still want to live there in 10+ years?
✅ Balance financial & personal priorities. A high salary won’t fix a miserable lifestyle.
✅ Do your research. A bad job location can’t be fixed by a good paycheck.

📌 Your first job location will define your career and personal life—choose wisely.