The Benefits of Human Resources

Today is the last weekday before I start my job as a Naturopathic Resident. I got into town on Tuesday and have spent the last few days dancing with Human Resources. I’ve never had a Human Resources department before, so really I was kind of expecting something out of the movies instead of the relatively friendly ladies I’ve met. Still it has been a little daunting. The first day I got my toxicology screen, drug test, which I passed.  Yeah for passing tests.

I’ve signed two or three dozen pieces of paper stating that I have read and accept the description of my job, the compensation package, the code of ethics, the management style, the HIPPA guidebook, not eating French toast on Tuesdays, the list goes on and on. Then there was the respirator mask fitting, in the event I’m working with a patient with active tuberculosis. I wear a regular sized respirator mask if anyone was wondering. Blood tests to establish baseline liver and kidney function, and if in three years my kidney and liver are non-functional, I can now blame it on my job. It all finished off with an appallingly brief physical exam. Somewhere in there, I met with the benefits coordinator.

At 29, I finally have a job that gives me benefits. It has taken over 10 years, but I’ve got health insurance through my employer. I don’t really want it. I have almost no desire to be treated with allopathic medicines except in an emergency. At 7% of my income, its not terribly expensive, but I’d rather put my money into a Health Savings Account (HSA) that would actually cover the few medications I take.  (Magnesium taurate, I’m looking at you.)  I’d feel stupid not taking insurance, it’s only $4.00 more then a high deductible plan and I’m covered in an emergency.

The benefits package I went with is a combination of traditional insurance, an HAS, and reimbursement for a gym membership. You’d think as a physician, I’d have a better idea of all this, but really I’m just as clueless as everyone else. Refreshing, no?

Add the benefits to federal and state withholding and I’m making less money then I had as a student, which is only slightly more then I made six years ago, when I decided to walk down this path to being a doctor. I remember thinking, “If I’m going to work this hard, I might as well make some money doing it.” And then I chose Naturopathic Medicine. I’ve certainly worked harder these last four years than I have before. I’m excited to be starting this new chapter; let’s just hope I love my job.