Desirable Qualities in an Associate

There are definite differences between an associate and a partner. An associate is hired to provide clinical services, but may be uninvolved in practice management. Once the associate begins to buy into the practice, he/she becomes a partner, a financial and, perhaps, management commitment that is much greater than that of an associate.

Senior doctors who contemplate bringing in an associate may wish to have the candidate tested psychologically to make four determinations:

1. Is there satisfactory interpersonal compatibility?


2. Is the level of dominance or aggression of the entering doctor acceptable to the senior?


3. Does the young doctor have a high sense of integrity?


4. Does the prospective partner have a strong work ethic?

Perhaps a key word in choosing the right associate is continuity. After a dynamic leader reduces work load or retires, the level of enthusiasm and excellence that the senior initiated during earlier years will have to be maintained. Can an associate who is to become a partner continue and even enhance all that has been
built?

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