Can a Surgeon Work in Multiple Hospitals and Practices at the Same Time?
Many assume that a surgeon can only work in one hospital or practice at a time. However, modern healthcare systems and the increasing demands of medical specialties have led to situations where a surgeon can indeed work in multiple hospitals simultaneously, as well as in both hospitals and a private practice.
Working in Multiple Hospitals
Yes, a surgeon can work in two hospitals at the same time as long as they have the necessary privileges and can manage their schedule effectively. This is a common arrangement, especially for specialists who have affiliations with multiple hospitals or clinics. For instance, a cardiac surgeon might work in two hospitals with excellent cardiac units, ensuring that their schedule and responsibilities align with the needs of both institutions.
When I worked in the Cardiac Surgery Unit, we had a team of cardiac surgeons who held staff positions at two hospitals. However, it's important to note that individual hospital policies or changes could affect this arrangement. Some hospitals may now have their own dedicated teams, but the principle of dual or multiple hospital work remains valid.
Dual Practice: Hospitals and Private Practice
Similarly, many surgeons choose to work in both a hospital and a private practice simultaneously. This arrangement allows them to diversify their practice, reach a broader patient base, and potentially increase their income. However, it's crucial to ensure that their commitments do not conflict and that they comply with any contractual obligations or regulations set by their employers and medical boards.
A surgeon who works in both a hospital and a private practice often maintains multiple privileges across their affiliated hospitals. This setup is common among experienced medical professionals who have built a reputation and patient base in both settings. While they cannot perform simultaneous surgeries in different hospitals, they can manage schedules effectively to ensure they are available when needed.
Dual Hospital and Private Practice Work Arrangements
A surgeon can be on the staff of multiple hospitals and maintain an office for follow-up visits, which is typical for many medical practices. For example, I see patients at four hospitals and three surgery centers. Most physicians you see at the hospital are independent contractors who have privileges to admit and treat patients at one or more hospitals.
In small towns, doctors are often required to be on call to operate in their specialty at different times to retain hospital privileges. Unlike what is often depicted in hospital-based television shows, emergency room doctors do not go straight to the operating room when a patient needs surgery. Instead, they assess the patient, call the relevant specialist, and keep the patient stable until they can intervene. Sometimes, the specialist is already at the hospital, while others are at home or at the office. This setup prevents hospital costs from skyrocketing by not having every specialty on staff all the time.
Conclusion
Overall, while the logistics and scheduling can be complex, a surgeon can indeed work in multiple hospitals and practices simultaneously. This dual arrangement is increasingly common in today's medical landscape, offering flexibility, diverse patient populations, and enhanced earning opportunities for experienced and dedicated medical professionals.