Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and Physician Assistants (PAs) are essential to the healthcare system, providing crucial services across diverse medical settings. While Advanced Practitioners (APs) can work in a variety of healthcare environments, one setting stands out for offering unique professional opportunities: Academic Medicine. If you’re an AP looking to advance your career, consider these top seven reasons to work in Academic Medical Centers (AMCs).
Access to Cutting Edge Equipment & Funding Resources
Academic Medical Centers are at the forefront of medical innovation. APs working in these institutions have access to the latest research, advanced medical equipment, and funding opportunities that can broaden their clinical skills. AMCs often receive significant funding for research and technology, which means APs are constantly exposed to cutting-edge techniques and treatments.
Increased Leadership Opportunities
Academic Medicine provides more leadership opportunities compared to smaller medical practices. APs at AMCs often take on expanded roles that include clinical care, teaching, and administrative responsibilities. This blend of duties not only enhances your leadership skills but also provides opportunities to influence healthcare practices and policies at a higher level.
Access to Top-Level Colleagues in a Variety of Specialties
Working at an AMC allows APs to collaborate with leading physicians, researchers, and other healthcare professionals. The interdisciplinary environment fosters a collaborative approach to patient care, enabling APs to learn from experts across a wide range of specialties. This network of top-level colleagues offers invaluable learning and mentorship opportunities.
You Can Be a Teacher
Teaching is a key aspect of working in Academic Medicine. APs at AMCs often divide their time between clinical practice and teaching, allowing them to train and inspire the next generation of healthcare providers. The ability to share knowledge and shape the future of medicine can be incredibly rewarding for APs who want to make a long-lasting impact on the profession.
Get Involved in Research
Academic Medical Centers are research powerhouses. APs working in these institutions have the opportunity to participate in clinical trials and medical research that can change the landscape of medicine. Whether you’re contributing to the development of new therapies or investigating innovative treatment approaches, being involved in research allows you to play a role in shaping the future of healthcare.
Enhanced Access to Learning Opportunities
In Academic Medicine, the learning never stops. AMCs are hubs for continuing education, offering access to medical rounds, guest lectures, symposiums, and seminars led by world-renowned experts. These opportunities allow APs to stay at the forefront of medical knowledge, ensuring they are always equipped with the latest skills and information.
Help Increase Patient Access to Quality Healthcare
APs play a crucial role in improving healthcare outcomes at Academic Medical Centers. Research shows that AMCs employ APs to enhance patient care quality and improve safety. Some of the key benefits of having APs on staff include:
- Increased patient access to healthcare: 77% of AMCs report that APs help increase patients' access to care.
- Improved patient safety and quality: 77% of AMCs also state that APs enhance patient safety and the overall quality of care provided.
- Shorter hospital stays: APs help reduce hospital stays by ensuring quicker transitions and better coordination of care.
- Continuity of care: APs collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure that patients experience smooth transitions between services, enhancing continuity of care.
For Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants, Academic Medicine offers a dynamic and fulfilling career path. From leadership roles and collaborative learning to participation in groundbreaking research, AMCs provide an environment where APs can thrive professionally. If you're an AP seeking to make a significant impact in both clinical practice and medical education, consider exploring opportunities in Academic Medicine.
*Originally posted on 5/26/2020. Last updated on 9/11/2024.
With a career focused on healthcare Business Development and Service Line performance, Paul had recently been at the forefront redefining the traditional In-house Provider Recruiting role. In his position as Medical Staff Development Officer at University Hospitals, Lake Health Region in Cleveland, Ohio, Paul integrated collegial interaction, analytics, and provider experience expertise to drive a differentiated recruitment strategy.
Paul has brought that knowledge and experience to Client Sourcing at PracticeMatch. Joining PracticeMatch in 2021, Paul supports Client Sourcing’s pro-active recruiting model that generates a robust prospect pool, creates an effective and efficient recruiting experience, and identifies key metrics to ensure optimal performance for the client. Paul has a commitment to learning, development and passion for building a team of recruiting professionals to leverage their national footprint which benefits its client organizations and their candidates.