Alternative incentive programs motivate docs
Alternative incentive programs motivate docs
Just as no two hospitals are completely alike, there are no hard and fast rules for choosing the education incentive program that is most effective for your work environment. In addition to the approaches listed above, you may want to experiment with the following programs:• Loan forgiveness.
The physician agrees to work for a specified period of time (e.g., one year for every one of training) if the organization agrees to pay for the physician’s training. Rural areas, for example, have been able to recruit physicians by offering this incentive.
• Accreditation.
The organization agrees to pay the program’s cost, lodging, meals, and other applicable expenses for approved accreditation and certification programs. There is generally an annual maximum benefit (e.g., $1,500).
• Internal grants.
The organization provides money for medical research or innovative approaches to patient care. An internal committee generally reviews all requests for grant money. The physician must commit to a length of service with the organization or agree to implement some of the research results into the medical practice in exchange for the grant support.
• Joint-venture grants.
Two or more organizations provide monetary support to the physician. The physician then makes teaching or practice commitments to the organizations in return for the monetary support.
• Publication incentives.
The physician may be granted time off to conduct research, which results in written publication. Some organizations may provide a cash bonus for publication in highly visible journals or other printed media.
• Research resources.
Some organizations provide an in-house library and librarian who can assist in providing research materials. Some organizations link the physician to medical research networks via the Internet, CD-ROM, and computer software. Computers are provided to the physician to take advantage of this technology. Medical journals may also be provided to the physician on a select basis.
• Teaching grants.
The organization, in conjunction with available grant resources, may provide money to the physician to conduct seminars or teach medical and allied health students.
• Flex-time.
The physician’s schedule is adjusted to accommodate education and research needs.
• Cross-training incentives.
Providing incentives to the physician to cross-train in another specialty or related medical field. This is becoming more popular as physicians seek more time off and need coverage from qualified replacements. This also allows the physician to expand their expertise and their medical practice.
• Tuition reimbursement.
The physician receives reimbursement for tuition and fees for college level courses or other qualified course work. The physician is reimbursed after completing the course. Reimbursement is generally limited to a certain number of courses per quarter or semester (e.g., two courses) or a specific dollar amount (e.g., $1,500).
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