Eyeworld

157 OPHTHALMOLOGY BUSINESS April 2016 open to dialogue and compromise, and be prepared for change. It can be challenging if either the practice or the new physician takes a rigid stance and expects the other to con- form," he said. Dr. Yeu emphasized the im- portance of open communication. "Some of that is going to be much more intimidating for younger physicians because they want to please the owners of the practice and those who were in the practice before them, but at the same time, the owners need to be proactive and seek out feedback and touch base regularly so any problems can be nipped in the bud," she said. Dr. Schor's biggest pieces of ad- vice: Be friendly and extra cautious on your first surgical cases. "Obviously your first impression is a big deal," he said, explaining that if it gets back to senior doctors that you have been rude to pa- tients, for example, they might start sending fewer patients your way or second guess where you fit into the practice. "Also try extra hard not to have a complication," he said, chuckling as he stated the obvious, but in all seriousness, "you don't want to be that guy who has complications on his first case there." EW Contact information Kang: pkang@edow.com Schor: kschor@edow.com Yeu: eyeulin@gmail.com refine and evolve," Dr. Kang said. "Engaging new physicians in this process also enables them to put their personal mark on the practice so that they feel vested and part of the team as well." Give it time Dr. Kang said new hires shouldn't expect to feel truly integrated into the practice for several months or even years. Dr. Schor said he is still growing a patient base 2 years after joining the D.C.-based practice. "When I was in New York, I had gotten to the point where I was busy and I was seeing a lot of patients," he said. "My first year here was a lit- tle frustrating because that changed and suddenly I wasn't very busy at all. "I think a lot of it has to do with maintaining perspective and knowing that it's going to take some time," he continued. "When you first start off in practice, you know it's going to take more time, but when you make a move, you have to know you're starting at the bottom again, unless you're taking over for someone who is retired or someone who has moved on." Be prepared to roll with it Being flexible was Dr. Kang's most important piece of advice for those entering a practice and for those onboarding a new physician. "The new doctor and existing practice must understand that the integrating process takes time. Be " Having new people join your practice is an excellent opportunity to bring in new ideas and energy. … New physicians allow us to reassess the reasoning behind our practice patterns and constantly refine and evolve. " –Paul Kang, MD

• Cover