I am planning a move to just north of Minneapolis and I have no idea how to find an ophthalmic photography job there. I know that sounds weird, but other than asking my docs for help I'm lost.  I've never done this before as I've been comfortably ensconced in Chicago for almost 16 years.

If anyone can at least point me in the right direction I sure would appreciate it. Thank you!

It's just my opinion, but i think your approach is sound. 

The one caveat being that your departure and relocation aren't supposed to be kept private from your current employers, in which case posting to an online Forum might not be prudent.

If your situtation is a life change and you're able to be candid with people, using the OPS forums to network is a good start.

You can search the member database by location using the Message a Member function, such as USA/Minnesota, to see what members pop up. However, since this is fueled by the information that each person puts in their profile, it is far from exhaustive, as many people don't have this info included. A good reason to update your profile.

Since this thread will remain online, other people can make additional suggestions for finding and making contacts in new locations.  Once more people weigh in and if you feel comfortable, you could start a new thread with a subject like "looking for photography positions in MN" or similar.  This subject might catch people's attention, especially if they know of something.

Good luck, relocation can be scary, but hopefully you'll find a good opportunity; there are plenty of good photographers at good instututions in that region.

j-

I know several long time OPS members in the Twin Cities area and I am sure they would be happy to help you if they know of any open positions.

Best of luck with you move!

Gary

Almost like a belated Christmas gift geting Jim and Gary right off the bat, and now you get me too!

Anyway, here goes....

I just google searched 'Retina Specialist Minneapolis' and pressed enter.

I received a whole page of options, however, one of which is sponsored by the ASRS, The American Society of Retinal Specialists, of which I am one of it's editors.  Ok, so here's that link:

http://www.asrs.org/find-a-specialist/results/List?searchLocation=MN

As you can see, theree are 22 retina specialists in the immediate area of Minneapolis!

I would next search these names and see if they are board certified in retina, because, that is whom I would like to work for, just a personal preference.

Then, call them, confirm their address, and send your CV to their office manager by name, and let it fly.

I'd then, follow it up with a phone call, asking if they received your information.

I'd then, send a nice letter thanking them for your time on the phone, and accompany that with your resume again, just to remind them you will be keeping their office high your radar.

Then, when you're in town, drive over to the offices that suit you, introduce yourself.  Some of them might even offer to have you 'shoulder' their photographer for a brief moment, a day, a lunch break, and the rest may just 'click' into place! (Pun fully intended for those photographic minded!!)

As Jim Strong pointed out though, being candid with your current employer would be your greatest adversary.  In conversation with a Minneapolis Ophthalmologist, your current Chicago employer might end their conversation with..."Are you hiring right now?  ...because, I've got this photographer moving out to your area, and you should take a serious l@@k at her, for your practice! Her name is ..."

Hey, you never know....!

Bon' Chance, and keep us posted,

Jim Soque

(posted 2:41 pm EST, New York)

If you've been an OPS member for a number of years, do you still have an older membership directory at your disposal? I'm talking about the paper one that we would get every year, the last one (2010) was a light blue color. If you do, try looking in the state by state portion of the directory and contact those members in the area where you are looking to move.

I know several long time OPS members in the Twin Cities area and I am sure they would be happy to help you if they know of any open positions.

Best of luck with you move!

Gary

Even better than an outdated OPS print directory, would be just using the Member Search function on this website. You can search by state. I would try the state initial first, then spell out the full name in case someone listed their address that way. I got 15 hits searching MI/Minnesota just now.

You can find it under the Membership tab in the left hand menu or just click here

The online directory is a benefit of membership in the OPS.

Good luck with your move.