If a career counselor advises me to have a signed employment agreement early in my final year of residency, then I should be looking for a job almost two years before I complete my training, right?

The majority of residents and fellows believe that they should begin their practice search when they begin their final year of training; anytime before that is just too soon.

That’s not so! This common misconception can cause a hurried search and limits the job seeker’s ability to fully assess an opportunity. By proactively beginning your search with a career assessment 24-18 months prior to completion of training, you increase the chances of finding a position that’s right for you.  Ideally, you should know where you are going to practice 12-6 months prior to completion of training, and, during that time, finalize your employment agreement. Residents, even if you are considering a fellowship, it should be lined up 6 months in advance.