Q: What are the most important factors to consider when matching physicians with practices?
Dawn Golden: It’s going to vary. I have to consider what they are looking for in a practice setting whether it is a solo, group private practice or a hospital employed position, whether he/she is single or married with kids, spouse’s career, etc. Some physicians are looking for a specific private school or have special family needs. On occasion, both spouses are physicians and we need to find a location with two openings. You have to take a look at the big picture.
Q: In today’s market, how do hospitals and practices compete for physicians?
DH: Since there is a physician shortage across the board, these doctors or surgeons literally hold the bargaining chip. I’ve seen employers make the deal a little sweeter by offering sign-on bonuses and bigger income guarantees. These employers know they are competing against many other practices and hospitals so if they have the means they are going to make the deal as attractive as possible for the physician.
Q: What is challenging about placing physicians in rural areas?
DG: I think the main challenge is making sure the small community is right for the physician and their spouse. Many physicians avoid rural communities because they are used to the big city environment they experienced during their training. Often, there are limited professional and cultural activities in a small community. The physician and entire family must be involved in the decision making process. The hospital or practice can offer a surgeon a half-million dollars but if the spouse/family doesn’t want a small town setting, they’re not going to stay. We want a place where the surgeon is going to put down their roots and be part of the community. The physician who grew up in and around small towns is the most likely to return. They already know the advantages of living in a rural community.
Q: What is attractive to physicians about rural areas and smaller practices?
DG: The lifestyle within a smaller community or a smaller practice can be very attractive. Initially, it will appear the physician’s call schedule is growling. However, they probably are not going to be called in a lot and probably only called in to one hospital. In a city, the physician on call may be on staff at three hospitals and may go to all three in one night.
Additionally, rural areas, hospitals and practices are often able to accept J-1 Visa candidates as they have an underserved population.
Q: Are there any advantages to practicing in rural areas?
DG: It is found rural areas have little or no managed care. Loan repayment is easier to obtain in the smaller communities, which is a big plus. Physicians find there is less competition, it is easier to develop a patient base and generally the expenses in running their practice are lower. Practicing in a small community offers physicians more autonomy and greater independence and the physicians often have a closer relationship with their patients, colleagues and their hospital.
Q: How can recruiters or organizations “market” the benefits of smaller and rural practices to physicians?
DG: A lot of times with the smaller areas you have to sell the surroundings too. You may not have the big city amenities in the small areas but in most of these areas you can be in the city within an hour or two. You can sell the small city by talking about less crime, shorter commute, autonomy of practice, little or no managed care, and outdoor recreational activities. More than likely a physician is going to work fewer hours in a small city which means they can spend more time with their family.
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