Mt Pleasant for a doctor (Charleston, Summerville: fit in, job market, school)

[Docrider]

This is my first post here. This forum seems to be terrific, and hopefully you guys can give me some info.
I just returned from Charleston/Mt.Pleasant - it was my 2nd visit there. I totally loved Mt. Pleasant and it seems to be a great place to live and work. I am finishing medical residency in CT next May and seriously considering moving to Charleston area and starting my medical career there. I am not sure however what the job market looks like for the primary physicians there, specifically Mt. Pleasant. I will definitely contact recruiters, but it would be great to hear first hand from the locals working in the medical field.

Thanks!

[charlottePA]

Originally Posted by Docrider

This is my first post here. This forum seems to be terrific, and hopefully you guys can give me some info.
I just returned from Charleston/Mt.Pleasant - it was my 2nd visit there. I totally loved Mt. Pleasant and it seems to be a great place to live and work. I am finishing medical residency in CT next May and seriously considering moving to Charleston area and starting my medical career there. I am not sure however what the job market looks like for the primary physicians there, specifically Mt. Pleasant. I will definitely contact recruiters, but it would be great to hear first hand from the locals working in the medical field.

Thanks!

Moving from the north to Mt. P you'll fit in fine and can meet all your fellow northerners around town. I'm from Mt. P born and bred. I'm in the medical field. I left Charleston for Charlotte because: a) I was able to make MUCH more (like over 50% more), b) cost of living (housing) was significantly less. Make more, pay less...or make less pay more. Remember Charlotte is the largest city in America without a medical or dental school. The shortage of MD's here means the pay is usually higher than elsewhere. The downside is that Charlotte is a big city....

Every MD, DDS, PA coming out of MUSC wants to stay in Charleston. You'll find a job fine, but just understand you can make more elsewhere. Heck, half the docs up here in Charlotte have beach places around Charleston. It's funny you posted this because I just got a call just 2 days ago with a pretty attractive opportunity down in Mt. Pleasant. I've always said I wanted to return, but after living elsewhere, I'm not sure I want to return...

Good luck.

[Docrider]

Originally Posted by charlottePA

Moving from the north to Mt. P you'll fit in fine and can meet all your fellow northerners around town. I'm from Mt. P born and bred. I'm in the medical field. I left Charleston for Charlotte because: a) I was able to make MUCH more (like over 50% more), b) cost of living (housing) was significantly less. Make more, pay less...or make less pay more. Remember Charlotte is the largest city in America without a medical or dental school. The shortage of MD's here means the pay is usually higher than elsewhere. The downside is that Charlotte is a big city....

Every MD, DDS, PA coming out of MUSC wants to stay in Charleston. You'll find a job fine, but just understand you can make more elsewhere. Heck, half the docs up here in Charlotte have beach places around Charleston. It's funny you posted this because I just got a call just 2 days ago with a pretty attractive opportunity down in Mt. Pleasant. I've always said I wanted to return, but after living elsewhere, I'm not sure I want to return...

Good luck.

Thank you much!
I am not very concerned about the cost of living and lower income- it's always a trade-off. Southern CT where I am doing my residency has extremely poor salary/cost of living ratio for doctors and nevertheless remains a very desirable place for many.
What are the other good locations in the immediate proximity of Charleston that are similar to Mt Pleasant and should be checked out as alternatives?
Another thing- do you by any chance know what the patients' attitude towards foreign grad doctors is like in the area? I moved to the US 10 years ago and have pretty much assimilated; it wouldn't be an issue in New England I guess, but I am not sure about South.
The last but not the least (not that I care about it too much but still)- is there any jewish community in Charleston and the area that you know of? (I am secular, it's just a cultural and a comfort thing)
Thanks again!

[DJShymansky]

Yes, Charleston has a strong and thriving Jewish community.

[charlottePA]

Originally Posted by Docrider

Thank you much!
I am not very concerned about the cost of living and lower income- it's always a trade-off. Southern CT where I am doing my residency has extremely poor salary/cost of living ratio for doctors and nevertheless remains a very desirable place for many.
What are the other good locations in the immediate proximity of Charleston that are similar to Mt Pleasant and should be checked out as alternatives?
Another thing- do you by any chance know what the patients' attitude towards foreign grad doctors is like in the area? I moved to the US 10 years ago and have pretty much assimilated; it wouldn't be an issue in New England I guess, but I am not sure about South.
The last but not the least (not that I care about it too much but still)- is there any jewish community in Charleston and the area that you know of? (I am secular, it's just a cultural and a comfort thing)
Thanks again!

Foreign training is not an issue. The issue would be finding a position.

Mt. Pleasant, Summerville, West Ashley, James Is. all have find areas you'd be content with.

Don't discount the pay differences. If your just 100% sure you want to live there versus anywhere else, go for it. If not, at least consider other areas.

[Docrider]

I think I am pretty much set on Charleston area, but as you go things can change, you never know.
Thanks again for your input!