Soooo, that means I have job offers from PADPM and Kidsfeet?
I know this is a bit of a silly (dumb) question because I'm just a lowly pre-pod, but in terms of success in the job environment, what sort of factors are needed? I'm hearing all these fantastic stories of how people are making well over 200 yada yada... Does it depend on the strength of your residency mostly? Or your graduating class rank? How do hospitals/ortho/pod groups ultimately determine whose the most qualified applicant? I do want to help people, but making a nice living (and paying off these ridiculous future loans) are a must as well. Again, I apologize if my question seems very unlearned, for I am planning to start my podiatric education this fall.
I think that one of the greatest factors in starting salary is geographic location, and the other is the type of position accepted. As I've stated, I personally don't know any grads receiving those initial high salary offers at podiatric practices vs. institutions and orthopedic groups. As a general rule, the last 2 have deeper pockets.
Naturally, graduating a top program increases your chances of obtaining a great position, but honestly, many of these institutions or orthopedic groups may not have the knowledge regarding the quality of podiatric residency programs.
Your interview, appearance, attitude, etc., should be your greatest assests.
I spoke with a colleague the other day who was telling me about this incredible resident at his hospital. The kid apparently is the total package with great training, great skills, personality, etc. The residency program is VERY well known and respected. However, the kid wants to practice close to his family/home-town. As a result, he's accepted on offer with an older DPM who would like this young doc to build up the rearfoot/reconstructive side of the practice. I do NOT know the details of the contract, but the actually base salary was $85,000.
Yes, that seems low, but this young doc may see it as an opportunity to build a practice, own a piece of the practice and eventually own the practice,while at the same time serving his community. There are those who will say he's shortchanged himself, is crazy to take this offer, etc., but everyone has a different motivation, and initial salary isn't always the top factor.
I've stated many times on this site that if you are skilled, treat your patients well and are ethical, there is no reason why you won't make an excellent living. Additionally, although many of these grads are getting high offers initially, it's also been my experience that a few years down the line the numbers balance out among most of the grads, regardless of who they chose to work for initially.