You are well versed in placing candidates in all types of specialized roles, connecting physicians with their first job, and perhaps even placing candidates in different locations around the country. While the job placement options are vast for domestic candidates, what can a recruiter do to help international physician candidates while they are still practicing in their home country but actively looking for a position in the United States?
Start with the unavoidable legalities
Whether it’s the United States Medical Licensing Examination, The Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates, or the well-known and sometimes daunting Visa process, there is no shortage of regulatory and licensing requirements that an international physician candidate must face. Having knowledge of this process, or access to someone who does, can be greatly beneficial by making the candidate aware of the unavoidable administrative tasks that must be completed before applying for a specific position. Perhaps preparing an information packet for international physicians regarding the possible legal issues they might experience would help prepare them for potential roadblocks they may encounter during this part of the process.
Utilizing your contacts
You are already aware that creating meaningful relationships with healthcare organizations, facilities and hospitals is a crucial part of your job description. The more trust that exists between yourself, the facility searching for candidates, and the candidates themselves, the more seamless the job placement process will be for everyone. Leverage your connections to find which hospitals and facilities are searching for specialty positions that might match your international doctor’s area of focus. Utilizing your personal contacts to find which ones have placed international physicians in the past will also be of paramount importance. If your candidate is still practicing in their home country, it may seem a little early to begin reaching out to your contacts, but getting this head start will certainly set your candidate up for success in their job search.
Help ease the professional transition
While there are countless similarities between physician practice norms in hospitals around the world, there are also some subtle differences and nuances that can be experienced when a doctor relocates to practice in a different community. As a physician recruiter, you can answer any questions your candidate may have regarding these specific differences, in addition to possibly pairing them with a virtual mentor. Any transitional assistance you can provide for your candidate will ultimately aid in making their overall relocation experience as smooth as possible.
Stress the importance of community
No matter where one resides, the importance of community and social acceptance is undeniable. As a healthcare recruiter in the United States, get to know any local community groups or special interest groups that can aid in the transition for your physician recruit. Find out if any other professionals in your area made a similar transition who can offer guidance or advice for your recruit. Reaching out to those who have had similar experiences is invaluable and will help inform the candidate’s expectations.
A new journey begins
Relocating to a different country to practice medicine can be a perilous and stressful transition for those brave enough to make the journey. Adding to that stress for physicians are the vigorous legal hurdles and the challenge of adapting to a foreign community. Having the support and professional guidance of a healthcare recruiter will be invaluable for the physician during every step of the process, and hopefully, the recruiter will feel the same pride the physician feels when they are placed with their new job and can use their skills to help elevate local patient care.
Stephen Leggitt
