Practice management training for pediatric residents
J. P. Piatt, D. L. Bartley, A. D. Jacobson and M. E. Rimsza
Department of Pediatrics, Maricopa Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ 85010.
In 1986, a practice management training program was developed for pediatric
house staff. In conjunction with this program, pediatric residents for the
following 2 years completed questionnaires regarding their career goals,
interests, and perceived competence in practice management. Postgraduate
level-3 residents who completed the program felt more competent than
postgraduate level-1 residents in all areas of practice management and were
more likely to take an active role in managing their practice. There was a
significant difference between postgraduate level-1 and level-3 residents
who completed the program in several areas: feelings of overall competence
in office management, choosing a practice location, office staff,
appointment system, billing system, office computer, fee schedules,
telephone management, and setting up an office laboratory. Exposure to a
practice management program during residency training may better prepare
future pediatricians for a successful practice.
