Physician stories

What I like about working at Park Nicollet is the organization’s emphasis on shared values. It appeals to what is best in all of us and what prompted us to pursue a career in a helping profession. These values are stressed in nonclinical and clinical areas, and provide a unifying energy that is very effective.

I feel that the emphasis on shared values – especially in caring and service – have allowed our section in gastroenterology to double in size the past few years, attracting highly motivated and caring physicians to join our group.

The development of an integrated clinic and procedure area in the Digestive and Endoscopy Center, to open in the first quarter of 2007, has been an outstanding example of the effectiveness of bringing together a wide variety of disciplines throughout Park Nicollet. Starting with strong, unified support from the clinicians in gastroenterology and pulmonary medicine, and including the commitment and hard work of those in nursing, finance, administration and facilities, we have seen a dream become a vision, then become a reality.

Overall, Park Nicollet is a place where the values we share as caregivers are important, and dreams transform into reality.

The forward thinking and clinical introspection of Park Nicollet, with an eye toward superior care, is what most attracted me to Park Nicollet. I worked at Park Nicollet for several years, then moved out-of-state to take a position with another eating disorder treatment facility. After two years I came back to Park Nicollet as it was clear to me that no one really understands quality medicine the way Park Nicollet does, and no one is willing to dedicate resources to that end like we do. It’s more than just words – it’s action.

Outcomes measures not only are encouraged, they are required. Everyone recognizes that while innovation is encouraged, if less-than-optimal outcomes are found, we simply change course and learn from our mistakes. That’s how we ultimately find new treatments that work. We are not afraid to quickly make modifications where needed as a means of attaining superior care for our patients and, perhaps, uncover new treatment methods in the process.

What stands out to me is that our program has tripled in size over the past six years and become a nationally recognized referral center for eating disorder treatment. We are in the process of building a state-of-the-art facility to provide for our growth and to house some specific eating disorder treatment programs not found anywhere else in the country. Park Nicollet has encouraged us every step of the way, and made it possible for us to attain this level of recognition for the care we provide.

Physicians considering coming to Park Nicollet will find the collegiality and clinical effectiveness of our large multidisciplinary practice second to none. Yes, you can have a large group practice with small group friendliness and collaboration. Nonphysician administrative staff is highly supportive and interactive with the physician staff, and the physicians are recognized for their expertise and contributions to our collective practice.

I’ve found the physicians at Park Nicollet to be uniformly friendly and excellent clinicians. It really is a luxury to have such an advanced electronic medical record with technical support. I am very proud that Park Nicollet recognizes and encourages physician’s nonclinical volunteer activities with financial bonuses.

After doing a lot of lectures on various topics the past two years, I think Park Nicollet has numerous benefits that many new residents do not understand about larger groups.

For instance, we have malpractice insurance with an occurrence policy. This is very rare, but highly desirable. Most policies are “claims made” policies, so if you leave the group or practice you have to buy “tail coverage” to cover you for patients treated while you were at the practice. This coverage often runs $20,000 to $30,000.

Also, multispecialty does not mean HMO. This is how the private groups often portray Park Nicollet to residents. We are compensated on Relative Value Units (RVU) production not salary. And there is no “buy in” with a group such as ours.

Park Nicollet has a 401(k) with a matching program, and a pension contribution. We also have $12,500 of disability coverage provided, and inexpensive medical coverage with no lifetime maximums for coverage. Some policies may cap medical coverage at $250,000 or some other value. You’ll also find that the contract reads as a relatively simple document and does not have a “no compete clause.”

At Park Nicollet, we enjoy convenient e-mail or telephone-call access to experts in nearly every field, allowing easy exchange of information and advice regarding patient care.

I feel Park Nicollet has a collegial atmosphere with a large group of physicians and administration working toward a common goal of providing the highest level and quality of patient care. You do not get 690 physicians by treating people poorly.

The main thing that attracted me to Park Nicollet was the compensation system. It gives you more control over your own compensation and schedule. You are rewarded for working hard.

The availability and ease of getting a patient to a specialist is very good. Even though it's a big physician group, we know many specialists on a first-name basis. Overall, Park Nicollet is a great place to work.

I have been at Park Nicollet Clinic—Eagan for 14 years. Longevity probably speaks for itself, but I love my job. One of the most satisfying aspects of my job is that I truly feel like I am part of a team. My physician colleagues are very supportive, and recognize and respect me as a clinician.

I find it rewarding to build my practice. I practice independently, but physician support is always there if needed. Mid-level providers also are able to be involved in administrative roles. Park Nicollet really has created a supportive culture with endless opportunities.