Finding a job in Orlando and the Central Florida Area

There is a reason Orlando, Florida is one of the number one vacation spots in the world.  I have lived in Orlando for over seven years, but there are times when it still feels a tad surreal that this is my home.  For example, some good friends were in town and my husband and I took them to Raglan Road, an Italian restaurant and pub in Downtown Disney.  Around 9 pm a live band came out—all Irish musicians with a flare for rock—and a dancer from Dublin climbed up onto an old, Irish church pulpit and began tamping and stomping in true Irish style.  After the first dance, my friend leaned over and said, “I can’t believe you can come here whenever you want.”

It’s true.  Living in Orlando definitely has its perks.  A city built to delight and entertain, Orlando offers plenty of diversions for the entire family.  International Drive, for example, has all sorts of shops, dining venues, and exhibits.  One such exhibit, Wonder Works, is a children’s museum famous for its odd architecture—the whole building appears to be built upside down. The most notable Orlando attractions, of course, are the Disney, Universal, and Sea World parks.  Many of these parks offer annual passes at a discount to Florida residents.  Imagine taking your family to the park Saturday afternoon, dining at one of many on-site restaurants for dinner, and then sharing dessert as fireworks fill the night sky.

And let’s not forget about the sparkling Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico on either side of Orlando, like a tropical beach sandwich of sorts.  Drive an hour east and you’ll find some of the most popular Atlantic coast beaches such as Cocoa, New Smyrna, and Daytona.  These beaches are great for surfer enthusiasts and are speckled with all sorts of fun boutiques and seaside restaurants.  Meanwhile, a two-hour drive west from O-town and you could be sitting on a lounge chair, fruity drink in hand, admiring the calm, turquoise waters of the Gulf.

Thanks in large part to beaches and Mickey Mouse, Orlando is a thriving metropolitan with a huge tourist industry.  The city is one of the top picks for conventions with over 2 million square feet of convention space and plenty of nearby amenities.  Additionally, Orlando boasts rapidly growing film, television, electronic gaming, and health care industries.  As a physician, you’ll be pleased to learn that Orlando has two non-profit hospital systems: Orlando Regional Healthcare (ORH) and Florida Hospital. ORH's Orlando Regional Medical Center is home to Central Florida's Level 1 trauma center and Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies, a Level 3 neonatal intensive care unit.  Ranked as one of the best hospitals in the country, Florida Hospital's main campus has a renowned brain attack facility.  Orlando's health care industry will continue to grow as the University of Central Florida’s College of Medicine and a new VA Hospital are completed.

For those who like the idea of living in a bustling, tropical Florida metro, but who want something a tad different than Orlando, consider Tampa.  This large city is a mixture of Orlando and Miami.  There’s Busch Gardens Amusement Park, famous for its roller coasters, and plenty of cultural zest.  If you are a physician who enjoys a diverse patient population, Tampa will provide the ideal setting.  Plus, it’s only minutes away from Clearwater, a beautiful gulf-side community.  And what doctor doesn’t appreciate a little perk like that?  

Regardless of which Florida metro you choose, expect plenty of practice opportunities and a tropical setting. 

Warning: After moving to Florida, expect plenty of visits from out-of-state family and friends.