Following 12 years of continuous training in college, medical school, and residency, the shift from training to practice is a momentous event in the career of an anesthesiologist. Deciding where to go and which group to join will influence the rest of one's professional life. What factors should guide this decision?

We looked at this from the perspective of a soon-to-graduate resident and a senior anesthesiologist with wide experience in the profession. Between us, we've tried to anticipate the key questions that should guide the choice of a first practice out of residency. We offer perspective on which differences matter and which don't and organized the article around questions the graduating resident should ask.

The answer to this question matters. For most graduating residents, geography is the primary focus of their job search. This may reflect a desire to stay near friends and family, but can also be due to...

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