Older Doctor Faces Rule Changes by New HR Boss
Older Doctor Faces Rule Changes by New HR Boss
The Importance of Trust in the Medical Profession
Ask any physician what the goals of the medical profession are, and they will likely respond by saying, “The prevention of disease, relief of suffering, care of the ill, and avoidance of premature death.” These goals can only be achieved when there is a high level of trust among physicians. Unlike the legal profession, where trust is not a given among peers, doctors trust one another for the benefit of their patients. However, there are times when trust should not play a role in critical decisions that physicians must make, especially when it comes to signing employment contracts.
In today’s age of corporate medicine, misplaced trust among doctors is becoming increasingly common. Particularly, when doctors become CEOs of healthcare organizations, they sometimes act more like lawyers than caring physicians. As a result, the trust that physicians place in one another can be shattered, leading to negative consequences for patient care.
One issue that has a significant impact on the delivery of healthcare services is the reluctance of many older physicians to retire. These seasoned doctors don’t want to hang up their stethoscopes because they know that retirement can be dangerous to their health. Instead, they want to work fewer hours, avoid late-night calls, and slow down while still treating patients. Larry, an 82-year-old physician, finds himself in this exact situation.
Larry has been practicing general surgery and urology for over 50 years in an agricultural community that lacks an adequate number of physicians. He wants to slow down and has negotiated an agreement with his organization’s HR manager. Under this agreement, Larry works three days a week, focuses solely on urology, doesn’t have to take call, and has his malpractice insurance paid for, even after he retires.
However, when the HR manager left due to a family emergency and was replaced by someone less accommodating, Larry’s situation took a turn for the worse. The new HR manager handed out new contracts to everyone and asked Larry to sign it immediately. Sensing potential problems, Larry politely asked for time to review the contract with his family before making a decision.
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Larry reached out for advice, concerned about how to handle the situation without causing any confrontations. He sought guidance from a group of colleagues who specialize in advising physicians in employment disputes. They provided three recommendations:
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Exploring alternative job options: Larry should reach out to another healthcare facility and inquire if they would be willing to employ him on his terms. This provides him with a backup plan if things fall apart with his current employer.
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Avoiding assumptions: It’s important for Larry not to assume that the new HR manager is acting in bad faith. His colleagues explain that the new manager may not have been aware of the earlier agreement. Larry can use his work schedule, pay records, and evidence of not taking calls as proof of their terms, even if they were not put in writing.
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Seeking support from higher authority: If initial discussions with the HR manager fail, Larry can escalate the matter to a higher authority. He can explain how his reduced working hours have positively impacted his personal life and suggest that the CEO would not want to lose such a valuable physician.
While Larry’s situation raises concerns about potential age discrimination, it serves as a prime example of why physicians, especially those fresh out of residency, need to establish relationships with legal and financial advisors. These professionals can offer advice on the employment challenges physicians may face and help them navigate contractual issues while protecting their interests.
In conclusion, trust among physicians is a vital component of the medical profession. However, there are instances where trust should not cloud critical decisions, such as signing employment contracts. Older physicians, like Larry, face unique challenges when considering retirement, but with the right support and advice, they can ensure a smooth transition while continuing to provide quality care to their patients.
