Career: To Partner, or Not?
Is it better to partner or to go it alone? Like so much in life, it depends.
By Jacqueline M. Duda Consider the case of Ralph Conti. Upon graduating from medical school in 1990, the pediatrician launched a solo practice in Henderson, Nev. But just four years later, he changed course. His penchant for collegiality and desire to spend more time with family won out over issues like autonomy and flexibility. “I don’t like working alone,” says Conti. “I need to bounce cases off other doctors, and I like it when they bounce cases off me. I love the intelligent banter.”
So Conti forged his first partnership with three other physicians. The group flourished and quickly grew to include 14 doctors. But disagreements erupted about the compensation structure. When Conti eventually lost his veto power, he left.
But he was undaunted and undeterred. Conti is now part of a successful eight-physician partnership with five offices in the Henderson area.
Has it been worth the time and effort? “I survived,” he says, laughing. And he learned a lot. Here are some things you should consider before making the decision to partner. Continued...
