Within the last 3 weeks, we had something happen that happens too often.  A physician contacted us and was in a predicament.  Her fellowship did not come through, and her program ended in August and she needed a job and a waiver.  She was a family practice physician.  She had not even gotten her State Department Case number.  We helped her to quickly get her number, set up an interview with an outstanding location and facility and within a week she was traveling to interview.  She loved the job, the people and the location.  The facility and the people there loved her.  And she left the interview with a good contract.

We had placed 4 other physicians at this location and it is very good.  It is not rural but suburban.  It is 15 minutes from a major city and within an hour of 2 other major cities.  HER BEST FRIEND WAS FROM THERE. 

She had a deadline though and had to sign the contract within 3 or 4 days of leaving because the State program was closing and we needed time to get her waiver together.  The close of the program was 12 days away and the state was holding a slot for her.

She then called and said that it was really difficult but she got her fellowship after all.  A fellowship in Geriatrics that she has wanted all her career and that she wasnt going to take the job.  She was sad because it was such a great opportunity, but she really wanted to take this 1 year fellowship.

We were dissapointed and so was the facility because it seemed like such a great fit.  The offer was good and the facility great.

The facility liked her so much they offered her the job for 2009 when she completed her fellowship.  This way she could have the best of both worlds.  She expressed that she would love this and when told was very excited.

Two days later, she still had not committed, and finally said that the next phase of her life was the followship and will think about a job in a month or two.  She wrote to the facility saying the same thing.

The facility was shocked.  What more could they have done.  They asked us.

 Our response was that we will not work with this physician again and we would recommend that they do not consider her in the future.  There is no confidence that she would ever sign a contract.

Maybe it was because her boyfriend did not want her to take it.  Maybe she was just immature.  Maybe she is just dishonest.  The bottom line, be honest.  Be a grown up.  I know that she will not get a job as good as the one she turned down (we work with over 4000 facilities and this one ranks in the top 5 overall). 

Our firm, the facility and the state all moved mountains to make sure that she could get her waiver.  She loved the job.  She loved the people.  She loved the facility.  She did not sign and decided to go to the fellowship.

The facility offered her the job when she was done (they work with a nursing home and have a good percentage of geriatric patients so her fellowship would be useful).  She said she loved the CEO and was very excited and could not wait to tell her family. 

She did not sign.

Something doesnt add up.

Be honest when dealing with people.  I would hate to think this is the way she deals with her patients.  There is a way to turn down an opportunity and not burn bridges.  It is important to do that.   If it doesnt make sense, it typically isnt true.  And this did not make sense.

And in the end, she doesnt have a job, the facility feels she is not honest and that they have done everything that they could to treat her fairly and help her, and they would not consider her for any needs in the future.

Dont let this happen to you.  Be honest and if there is a reason you are not taking a job, explain it to the facility.  Make sure it makes sense.  They will understand and respect you for your honesty and being straight-forward.