Strategic Physician Staffing: The Key To Healthcare Success
Strategic physician staffing remains a key factor in achieving healthcare success. Healthcare organizations must align their recruitment efforts with their goals and priorities, as any misalignment can lead to high turnover and dissatisfied patients. When recruitment efforts are aligned with the organization’s goals and priorities, physicians will meet the organization’s immediate and long-term needs. What trends are currently being seen in physician recruitment?
A Growing Need for Specialists
Specialists are in high demand today because America’s population is aging and many people have chronic health conditions. Healthcare organizations are utilizing recruiting services for doctors to find these specialists and proactively plan for the future, as demand is expected to increase. One way to prepare for the future is to partner with residency programs. Organizations must also offer competitive benefits packages to attract and retain top talent.
AI and Data Analytics
Many healthcare organizations are leveraging AI to identify the most suitable candidates for open positions. AI-driven recruitment tools allow them to find qualified individuals in less time. When combined with predictive analytics, AI-driven recruitment tools can significantly improve hiring efficiency. Organizations onboard doctors in less time while improving the quality of the candidates.
Physician Wellness
Every healthcare organization worries about losing doctors and other employees to burnout. Over 40 percent of workers in the industry report that this is an issue, and many physicians are seeking jobs with scheduling flexibility and reduced administrative burdens. Organizations that prioritize a healthy work-life balance find they have an edge when recruiting new doctors.
Hybrid Roles
Many physicians found they enjoyed using telemedicine to connect with patients during the COVID crisis. Today, they wish to continue offering telemedicine services. Some physicians are now seeking hybrid roles that enable them to treat patients in person or remotely. Healthcare organizations need to invest in digital infrastructure to enable them to do so and ensure they have the necessary training to provide virtual patient care.
Workplace Culture
Physicians seek a workplace culture that aligns with their needs. When they find this organization, they are happier in their jobs. They prefer to work with others who share their core values, vision, and mission. AI tools are often used to ensure the candidate and workplace culture align. Organizations must also do culture audits periodically to determine whether there have been any shifts in this culture.
Build Partnerships with Residency Programs and Medical Schools
Healthcare organizations should establish relationships with medical schools and residency programs to create a recruitment pipeline. This pipeline provides the organization with an ongoing stream of qualified candidates. The organization will be aware of emerging talent before its competitors. Offer internships and rotations to enable students to gain a deeper understanding of the organization and its offerings. Career fairs, educational support, and a robust alumni network are other ways an organization can act with residents and medical school students.
Physician Retention
Healthcare organizations must also develop retention strategies to retain qualified doctors. Physician retention rates are directly related to patient care. A high retention rate leads to better care while minimizing recruitment costs for the organization. When a doctor chooses to leave an organization, an exit interview should be conducted to determine the reasons for their departure.
Competitive compensation is important, but it is only part of the picture. Doctors appreciate having access to professional development opportunities. They also prefer a positive work environment and mentorship programs. Organizations that offer these elements find it easier to attract and retain qualified doctors. Strategic physician staffing requires a holistic approach. Organizations that use this approach find they have great success in attracting and retaining top talent.
