Retire already! Managing physicians who no longer want to work, but have to
Oetjen, R.M.; Oetjen, D.M.
Journal of Medical Practice Management Mpm 26(1): 49-52
2010
ISSN/ISBN: 8755-0229 PMID: 20839514 Document Number: 640633
The economic downturn has wreaked havoc on our professional lives and has presented a whole host of challenges including managing physicians who can no longer retire due to the reduced value of their retirement savings. As a result, many medical practices are burdened with physicians who are disinterested in continuing to work in the practice, but who remain solely due to financial reasons. This article will provide practice managers with several means to encourage these "retired-on-the-job" physicians to improve their attitudes and productivity levels, or do what they have already informally done--retire. Specifically, this article reviews four options for dealing with such employees, including: (1) coaching; (2) offering flexible work options; (3) changing revenue-sharing agreement; and (4) dismissal.