Why Use a Recruitment Firm?
by Michael P. Broxterman, COO
& Wendy Abdo, Staff Writer, Pinnacle Health Group
For most medical facilities, physician recruitment is a top priority and a continuous process. Shortages in certain specialties and maldistribution problems are the fundamental causes of why hospitals are in a constant search mode for physicians. In addition, medical facilities in rural areas and small towns confront unremitting shortages in nearly all specialties. Consequently, it is vital for the hospital to have the best resources available including experienced recruitment personnel, expert industry knowledge, adequate planning and timing, and attention to detail. If you are lacking in any one of these areas, it will confound your chances of finding the right physicians. For this reason, many medical facilities choose to use the services of a physician recruitment firm. Below is a list of some of the top reasons why a recruitment firm can save you money in the long run.
Key Points in Your Decision To Use a Recruiting Firm
1. Time
- The Greatest Opportunity Cost?
Let's face it. Time is money. In economics, time is the biggest
constraint, and in an economy with limited resources, you
must determine whether the time and effort you put into the
search will be worth the end result. The more difficult your
hospital's search is, the higher the opportunity cost is to
you. Therefore, hiring a physician recruitment firm could
definitely be worth the cost, especially if the results are
guaranteed.
2. Better
Results Lead To a Better Match?
Your worst case scenario is when you use your valuable resources
to sign up a physician and later discover that you have hired
the wrong doctor. The associated risks are extremely high.
Not only is this a waste of your time and money, but it also
jeopardizes the reputation of the hospital. Are you willing
to take these risks? An experienced, well-established recruitment
firm will take the guesswork out of the process by investigating
the doctor's background and references before you make your
decision.
3. How
Much LegWork Are You Willing To Do?
To find the right physician, it takes an enormous effort,
especially in advertising and research. This entails countless
telephone calls to all the right people, the review of hundreds
of curricula vitae, diligent searches in numerous databases,
targeted direct mailing campaigns, placement of many advertisements,
and networking through conferences, tradeshows, and personal
contacts. If this is out of your league, then you may want
to find a competent and reputable physician recruitment firm
to handle the "dirty work" for you.
4. Negotiation
Pressures?
Negotiations between you and the physician of your choice
can become tense. This is bad news for you, since it is crucial
to start off your relationship with the newly hired doctor
well. So how can you maintain a positive, professional relationship
with the physician while ironing out hairy details of the
contract? By incorporating a third party recruitment firm
to act as a liaison between you and the physician. Both of
you will feel more comfortable dealing with a recruitment
firm during negotiations than directly with each other. Both
will benefit and this, in turn, will promote a more positive
work relationship for the future.
5. The
Best Doctors Aren't Looking For a Position?
No employer wants to hire a "job hopper," but instead
is looking for a stable and talented doctor to fill the needs
of the organization. Oftentimes, the best A-level doctors
are the ones that aren't actively looking for employment.
How can you reach these in-demand physicians? A strong recruitment
firm with vast experience and professional connections can
adroitly walk this delicate tightrope. They have the resources
available to find these doctors as well as the ability to
present your opportunity in an appealing way that will get
them to seriously consider your offer.
6. Attention
To Detail is Vital?
Is your hospital efficient in managing its recruitment schedule?
In physician recruitment, a day's difference can cost your
medical facility dearly. The recruitment process is extremely
time-sensitive, and you must be careful of not losing your
candidates. Added to this is the fact that few candidates
will fit your position. Statistics show that out of a total
of 5,000 candidates, only one will be hired. This equates
to a whole lot of work for you, and by losing one good candidate,
you might be losing the only one that qualifies. Therefore,
it is imperative that every detail is followed through in
a timely manner.
By looking closely at your recruitment process and taking into consideration your advantages and limitations, you will be able to determine whether employing the expertise of a physician recruitment firm will give you the long-term results you require. Recruitment firms have a lot to offer. By utilizing their resources, you have tapped into a treasure-trove of expert knowledge, in-depth experience, and a plethora of choices.
References
Stepnick,
Larry. The Advisory Board Company. Physician Recruitment:
Ten Management Practices of Top Hospital Recruiters. The Advisory
Board Company: 1992
