Required Reading for Tribune Reporters

(Clinic Awaits Retraction of Smear Article)

"The Public Perspective: Although there's consistency and near unanimity in the public's view that there's a problem with bias in the news media, there are (at least) three operational interpretations of what bias actually is.'
30 percent of adults see bias as "not being open-minded and neutral about the facts."
29 percent say that it's "having an agenda, and shaping the news report to fit it."
29 percent believe that it's "favoritism to a particular social or political group."
8 percent say bias in the news media is "all of these."

79 percent of the American public believes that "it's pretty easy for special interest groups to manipulate the press," vs. 55 percent of journalists. (Perceived Bias, Am Soc of Newspaper Editors)


My thirty minutes of investigation on the issue of 'physician separation from medical practice' found the article below. While I don't believe there was a real story, it would have been fairly easy for the Tribune reporter to actually research the topic and include some of this information in her report. It is really not clear to me whether these type of articles seen with increasing frequency in the newspaper are due to inexperience of the reporter, media bias, special interest manipulation, or just an attempt to spike the story to sell more papers.

'The Marcus Welby, M.D., approach to a medical career — setting up practice in Hometown, USA, and staying put for four decades — still happens, but these days it’s increasingly rare. With an estimated 40 percent of newly practicing physicians choosing to leave their initial practice opportunity within two years of joining the group, and a much smaller number deciding that the solo act is not for them, there is a lot of “movin’ on” that transpires in any given year.' (excerpted from.. Moving On: Issues to Consider When Making A Career Move, New England Journal of Medicine Career Center, Feb 2006 by Bonnie Garves)

• Even when the move is merely a straightforward relocation — leaving a group in one state or city to join another elsewhere — it’s essential to begin planning several months ahead, if possible, suggests Joan Roediger, JD, a health lawyer who specializes in physician employment agreements and related contractual issues and frequently lectures on those topics.
  

• Step number one is ensuring you have taken the time to find the right opportunity, but even before you start the job search, it’s a good idea to take a look at your current employment contract,” says Roediger.

• Physicians should be well aware of contractual obligations or debts that might follow them to their next position.
  

• Physicians who plan to practice in the geographic area should review patient-associated contractual obligations or prohibitions, such as non-compete or non-solicitation clauses, that could affect where or how they practice.

• On a potentially more problematic note, physicians planning a move should carefully review all contractual arrangements that will affect their personal finances and professional liabilities.
  

• Roediger says that physicians should be sure to mention that they have enjoyed the opportunity of working with the staff and administrators. “After all, you never know where your future career may take you, so it’s important to leave on good, friendly terms.

[Emphasis mine]