9 benefits of practicing medicine at Kaiser Permanente

Physicians who deliver the nation’s best health care discuss why it’s better to practice medicine here

Physicians who practice medicine at Kaiser Permanente enjoy long, stable careers because they deliver Permanente Medicine, which has provided great outcomes to patients — and amazing opportunities — for decades. And we’ve managed to do so while protecting and encouraging physicians’ health and happiness.

If you want to provide life-changing care and perhaps expand the possibilities of health care delivery, here are 9 benefits of practicing medicine at a Permanente Medical Group.

1. Practice value-based care in its purest form

"Being physician-run and value-based means we can be more focused and better experts than any other system. I can't imagine working in any other model." — Christine Barnett, MD, Hematologist and Medical Oncologist

Many health systems claim to practice some form of value-based medicine, but we’ve been at it since 1945. Our value-based care has always emphasized well-being, prevention, and high-quality outcomes. And our uniquely integrated model means medical groups, health plans, and hospitals work together to do what’s right for patients at every step.

2. Focus on practicing medicine

“Outside of Kaiser Permanente, physicians spend a lot of their time doing things like prior authorizations and worrying about maximizing RVUs [Relative Value Units]. I went into medicine to do medicine, frankly.” — Ramin Shadman, MD, Cardiologist

Above all, we keep patients and their loved ones at the center of all we do. So we designed our multispecialty medical groups to give physicians the time and space needed to provide high-quality care. To ensure your ability to focus, Kaiser Permanente provides expert staff, comprehensive resources, state-of-the-art facilities, and leading-edge clinical technologies.

3. Provide the best evidence-based care available

"I have full freedom to provide evidence-based medicine without the pressure of productivity.’ I feel liberated to do what I think is best for the patient." — Susie Lim, MD, Ob-Gyn

Permanente physicians deliver the highest quality of care, bar none. How? Another benefit of practicing medicine here is our vast collection of clinical evidence, with pathways accessed quickly with just a few keystrokes. We develop extensive medical records of our patients that are accessible across the practice. Those longitudinal histories also help inform our work at 8 clinical research centers, ultimately adding to our clinical knowledge and evidence.

4. Flourish at physician-led, physician-owned medical groups

"I love that we are physician-owned and physician-led and I can practice medicine the way it should be practiced. We decide what health care looks like and what quality looks like." — Pavan Somusetty, MD, Psychiatry

Practicing physicians own and run Permanente Medical Groups, which protects doctors’ autonomy and ability to provide the best care possible. This ownership gives physicians the freedom to focus on what matters most: patients and their families. It also lets us prioritize physicians’ needs rather than compete with hospitals’ priorities.

Plus, we don’t make calls for approval to insurance companies — our integrated relationship with health plans and hospitals at Kaiser Permanente make such obstacles disappear.

Ready to explore your future at a Permanente Medical Group? Let's connect.

5. Enjoy access to colleagues from a wide array of specialties

“I am blessed with colleagues that I trust to maintain good continuity of care. I tell my patients every day, you don’t just have just me taking care of you, you have 600 of us.” — Fonda Mitchell, MD, Ob-Gyn

Permanente physicians and specialists work together to deliver quick, personalized medicine to patients. This responsive approach to health care gives us immediate access to one another’s skills and expertise. Naturally, this also encourages tight-knit communities of medical professionals, who develop lifelong professional ties and personal relationships.

6. Benefit from a supportive culture

“I love coming to work in a place where everyone cares about each other, so it's not just that we are there for the patients, we're really there for each other too.” — Nzinga Graham-Hines, MD, Urgent Care / Family Medicine

Permanente Medical Groups provide professional and personal flexibility that can only be found at a large, physician-owned medical group. Such support pervades throughout our medical groups, even during the hardest times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether we’re on sick leave, vacation, or sabbatical, we work as a team to ensure patients have access to excellent 24/7 care.

7. Accelerate your career growth and advancement

"I definitely wanted an opportunity to grow and lead. I could see opportunity to grow as a physician and as a leader." — Vuong Vu, MD, Psychiatry

Permanente Medical Groups are among the most renowned in the nation for their quality outcomes, but we don’t rest on such laurels. So, while you’ll practice industry-leading care, you will also discover another benefit of practicing medicine here: many opportunities to stretch what’s possible in medicine. Explore your interests! You’ll find plenty of career opportunities here.

8. Practice medicine for a highly diverse patient population

“This is a place where if you are a change maker and you are passionate about improving the health of the community of our members, you can do that.” — Aaron Edelstein, MD, Family Medicine

Permanente physicians care for people from every walk of life and background. Beyond the exam room, many of us strive to address the social and cultural factors that affect health and well-being. For example, we’re eliminating disparities in colon cancer screening and building out Black maternal health programs. These efforts highlight the many projects we undertake to reduce inequalities in health care and promote health equity. If you have a vision to develop specific clinical programs, including for underserved communities, we can support you.

9. Find support for your own health and wellness

"I love the work-life balance I have here. It is incredible to have 3 days to get life done and feel like a normal person. I get to be many things besides a surgeon." — Kaela Frizzell Hutchinson, MD, Orthopedic Surgery

We learned long ago that successful doctors also experience happy, fulfilling lives. That’s why Permanente Medical Groups strive to create an environment in which physicians find joy and meaning in medicine. Today, the AMA is recognizing our efforts to combat physician burnout. Our team-based care helps provide the space you need to have a fulfilling life beyond work.

“The future of medicine is going to look different …”

"… It's going to be challenging, but also exciting, and as a Permanente physician, you're in the best position possible to embrace and experience all the exciting changes that are going to come.” — Chang Na, MD, Occupational Medicine

We are commited to people, excellence, and the health and happiness of our physicians. This positions us to be leaders of the future of medicine in the United States. Delivering health care at one of the Permanente Medical Groups empowers physicians to focus on providing high-quality, patient-centered care. Our collaborative, supportive culture and embrace of value-based care means you’ll find unparalleled opportunities for professional growth and personal fulfillment.

Explore how Permanente Medicine can change and better the lives of your patients — and yourself. Discover how you can make a lasting impact at Kaiser Permanente.