At the Institute of Podiatric Excellence and Development (IPED), we know that getting through your schooling and residency is just the first hurdle in your podiatric career. Although this seems monumental (and it is!) you won’t get a break when it’s over. Now more questions and decisions loom—starting with, do you want to be a practice owner or employee?

Part of our mission at IPED is bringing together the experience and knowledge of podiatric professionals at every stage of their careers from students to veteran practitioners. Sharing this information with one another benefits us as individuals and the profession as a whole. Drawing on this great wealth of resources helps you make informed decisions.

Below are questions to ask before signing on as an employee.

• What type of employee do you want to be—W2 or contract?
• How will you be paid? Salary, commission, bonus?
• If you have a contract, what is the length of the term?
• How many hours per week are you expected to work or how many patients per day are you expected to see?
• What type of benefits are offered, including insurance, maternity benefits, profit sharing, paid time off, etc.?
• Does the practice cover your fees, such as licensing, hospital fees, dues, CME, etc.?
• How are overhead costs handled?
• If overhead costs are split, do you have a say in staffing?
• Study the office policies. Do you have input on modifying policies or creating new ones?
• Does the practice advertise for you?
• Who does the scheduling and how are new patients distributed?
• Is there a penalty if you don’t hit your target income?

Whatever career path you choose, IPED will be right here with you, a ready source of information and somewhere to turn for answers from those who have been there already. To learn more about the benefits of membership, contact our Executive Director, Ruth Ann Donahue by calling: 978-296-7634.