Students at PCOM South Georgia recently participated in two “Lunch and Learn” sessions focused on medical practice models and the business aspects of clinical medicine. The sessions—led by Dr. Lissa Murphy, chair of clinical sciences and associate professor of emergency medicine at PCOM South Georgia—focused on helping student doctors navigate the complexities of choosing the right medical practice model and understanding the financial and contractual implications associated with different employment options.
Murphy emphasized the importance of preparing students to make informed decisions early in their careers. “Our goal was to provide the students with information that allows them to critically evaluate offers of employment, partnership, and other options in order to not only find the best practice model to suit their needs, but also to discern possible trouble spots,” she noted.
The presentation outlines key advantages and disadvantages of various practice models including:
Murphy pointed out that some students may not be familiar with all practice types. Without exposure to business models, students may unintentionally enter practice arrangements that do not match their goals or expectations.
Marla Golden, DO, former dean of the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine program at PCOM South Georgia, explained that certain specialties often align with particular practice settings and financial arrangements.
For example, emergency medicine, radiology, and primary care hospitalists frequently work as independent contractors through large contract management groups. In contrast, Golden noted many primary care physicians are employed by hospital systems under compensation models that combine a base salary with productivity-based bonuses, often tied to Relative Value Units (RVUs).
“Pitfalls in this setting include physicians who don’t generate the revenue that was agreed-upon as their initial salary offer,” Golden cautioned. “Many of these physicians are caught in the situation of having to pay back the difference between what they generated and what they were paid.”
Murphy and Golden encourage students to carefully review contract terms and seek legal guidance before signing, paying particular attention to common contract components such as:
Murphy and Golden stress the importance of being informed about these issues before entering into practice, as some matters may be difficult or impossible to change after a contract is signed.
According to Murphy, the presentation was well-received with the interactive format allowing students to ask questions and engage in open discussion.
Amaan Ismail (DO ’27), who serves as president of the General Surgery Club, vice president of the Nutrition and Medicine Club, and treasurer of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Club, spoke positively about the experience.
“Our ‘Lunch and Learn’ on physician practice models was a fantastic session,” he said. “It gave us a clear, real-world look at the different ways physicians can structure their careers. The discussion was engaging, insightful, and left everyone with a better understanding of the pros and cons of various practice models.”
What made this session distinctive, Murphy added, was its focus on providing practical information based on real-world experience.
“It was unique in that it was presented from the perspective of the needs of student doctors and incorporated the experiences and observations of practicing physicians,” she said. “Overall, it was a review of the economic risks and benefits that could occur in certain practice settings so that the students can protect themselves from the consequences of an uninformed decision.”
