Private equity acquisitions: physician considerations at different stages of career.

Abstract

To assess the impact of private equity acquisitions on physician career considerations, with particular attention to stage of career. Recent studies have demonstrated a clear increase in private equity acquisitions in ophthalmology, particularly in retina-oriented practices. Survey-related publications of recent fellow graduates may provide insights regarding considerations of early career ophthalmologists, whereas commentaries from senior ophthalmologists offer insights to considerations of late career physicians. To date, no published evidence exists regarding the differential financial and/or professional effects of private equity acquisitions on ophthalmologists with regards to career stage. Such effects may differ on the specific structure, nature, and terms of the private equity acquisition. Private equity acquisitions in ophthalmology may have several short-term, mid-term, and long-term effects on physicians over a variety of financial and career considerations. As such, there may be a differential effect of private equity acquisitions on early, mid, and late career physicians. Future outcome-related data will be necessary to fully understand the impact of private equity acquisitions on physicians both professionally and with regards to clinical care.