There is a reason why doctors in Singapore who have been in practice more than 5 years would start thinking about heading to regional medical director jobs. It may be because of the status, or it may be because of the more stable career progressions. Although this career progression also depends on your specialty, experience, and performance. Here are several reasons for you to consider:
If you’re overworked, more time spent with patients is welcome. A regional medical director job in Singapore would mean less bed management and paperwork, allowing you to be on the wards more often, providing direct patient care.
You can have a say in how your unit operates. As Singapore’s healthcare system is centralized, there are no differences between regional hospitals except for better technology. But it doesn’t hurt for you to help out with planning new policies within your cluster of hospitals. And suppose the government ever decides to privatize the healthcare system. In that case, regional medical directors can play an active role in ensuring that patients’ interest remains the number 1 priority.
A higher level of job satisfaction because you are your boss. You can make your policies and standards if they do not contravene the hospitals’ rules. As regional medical directors are at a senior level compared to hospital-based physicians, you will be provided with more respect from everyone around you. If you’re good, they will want to learn from you.
A better work-life balance. If the hospital has most of its doctors working in shifts, then that means that most of its staffing needs can be fulfilled by part-timers or housemen/residents who have their limits on how many hours they can work each day due to study commitments. This leaves your hands free to take care of the patients yourself.
A more structured environment. Most regional medical director jobs in Singapore are in multi-specialty clinics, which means that other specialists will be working together to ensure the best care for your patients. This also means less time sorting outpatient problems with them 1 on 1.
More opportunities to contribute to medical education. As you are a regional medical director, students will often feel compelled to speak with you about their doubts instead of running off to ask junior doctors out of fear of tarnishing their image. Your input can be valuable to them when it comes down to applying what they have learned in the classroom.
You’ll probably get promoted quite quickly if you’re good. Ever since the ISA was abolished, it’s been hard to get promoted to even specialist levels. This is because most retiring consultants opt for jobs outside of the public healthcare system, and hospitals can’t afford to lose their most senior staff. The result: a lack of new leaders entering the scene. If they’re good enough or connected, regional medical directors can be fast-tracked into becoming hospital administrators, Consultants, or Surgeons.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a rewarding opportunity with great growth potential, then it’s time to consider regional medical director jobs. Apply today if you feel that the grass is greener on the other side; think about taking a leap of faith and spending some time there.