Posted by Stephen Leggitt
Healthcare recruiters know that a multitude of factors can influence a physician candidate choosing one position over another. Perhaps few aspects are more important or prevalent in a physician’s decision than the physical location of the practice or healthcare facility. There are monumental differences between working in a major metropolitan city and working in a more rural, underserved area. Just like the locations are vastly different, so are physician candidates. Knowing how to successfully promote an available position and showcase its benefits, regardless of the location, is a vital skill that can and should be attained by every proactive recruiter.
Get to know your physician candidate
The first step a recruiter should take is to understand the candidate on a deeper and more personal level. While one candidate may just be looking for the largest possible paycheck, another might prefer taking a substantial pay cut if the organization’s location or culture is a better fit for their outlook and personality. While some candidates thrive in a more fast-paced and competitive environment, others prefer a slower-paced locale with a more autonomous situation. Asking the important questions early will help the recruiter understand exactly what the candidate is looking for and will ultimately help make the job placement process more efficient for both sides.
Family considerations
By the time a physician is completing residency and entering the job market, they have often already decided if they foresee having a family in their future. Much like their personal lifestyle preferences, your candidate should also be aware of the preferences of their partner and future family. There are certain people who flourish in a somewhat larger city, as it provides a multitude of options for recreation, school choices, and more diverse cultural experiences. There are also those who may thrive in a more rural space, where they can experience a more leisurely pace of life with less traffic congestion and more opportunities to experience nature. Knowing clearly which option your candidate and their partner would prefer will help them make a more informed decision.
Incentive programs versus advancement opportunities
Historically, rural areas have often dealt with physician shortages and a lack of access to both general and specialized care. To help alleviate this substantial problem, government agencies and some healthcare institutions have begun offering incentive programs which include student loan forgiveness, tuition reimbursement and relocation assistance. Being aware if a rural practice can offer such perks could be a substantial selling point for the candidate, especially for a physician fresh out of residency who is struggling with student loan debt.
Though major cities do not offer these specific perks, they do provide a large assortment of advancement opportunities that simply cannot be found in a rural locale. Whether it’s opportunities gained from face-to-face networking events, group affiliations or administrative positions, the options for upward mobility are simply more widely available in a major city.
Compensation versus autonomy
While the cost of living is generally higher in a metropolis, the compensation rate is usually higher to match that cost of living. While a substantial salary isn’t always the most important job aspect for a physician, it is still an important detail. With more incoming salary and benefits, a physician can take active steps to facilitate their desired future.
The compensation a physician would receive in a rural area would still be significant when compared to the average population, and with their chosen location comes much more autonomy. Instead of being one of thousands of doctors in their zip code, they can sometimes be the only doctor in their zip code. With this responsibility comes the freedom to run your practice in your desired way and set your own administrative guidelines.
Stressing the importance of community
Whether your candidate envisions their dream job in Manhattan or Montana, playing a vital role in the community is both the responsibility and privilege of any well-rounded physician. Physicians who practice in rural areas with smaller populations often get to know their patients on a deeper level, which can lead to more specific and beneficial care. They often become a trusted and respected voice in the community, which can even lead to local elected leadership positions.
Despite being a small fish in a big pond, physicians who practice in large cities can have just as much involvement in their community. With cities showcasing a rich tapestry of cultural diversity it provides the opportunity for physicians to collaborate with a wide variety of groups, which can help broaden their knowledge and perspective.
Guiding your candidate based on their needs
As a physician recruiter, you are the bridge between understanding the most important needs of your candidate and which healthcare facility or organization that would best fit those needs. Getting to know the lifestyle priorities of your candidate and how they envision their future will certainly be of paramount importance as you work alongside them to decide where they and their career will be most likely to thrive.