What Physicians Want

As the demographics of the physician workforce continue to diversify, hospitalist managers should consider the expectations of the new generation of physicians when recruiting for your practice.

According to the 2006 Cejka Search and AMGA Physician Retention Survey, 46% of physicians who leave a practice are most likely to do so within the first 3 years.* Therefore, understanding what physicians want in a practice will ensure that you are recruiting physicians who will remain with the organization.

Physicians who fit well with the culture of an organization are more likely to stay with a practice. Make sure your candidates have similar personalities and work ethic as the rest of the staff.
The family has become increasingly important to the modern physician. Doctors are looking for practices that offer benefits such as maternity leave and spousal job search support. Physicians also desire a practice that is located near their extended family.

Part-time and flexible work hours are also growing in importance. The number of physicians working part-time hours has increased to 20%. Flexible hours or part-time options are reported as one of the top three ongoing retention initiatives that medical group leaders have found to be effective*

Above all, recruiters should recognize the importance of focusing on a physician’s desires in a practice. To attract and keep a physician in your practice, it is increasingly important to understand and discuss a physician’s expectations ideal practice environment, including cultural fit, family and flexibility.

*Source: The Cejka Search and AMGA 2006 Physician Retention Survey was completed by 92 members of the American Medical Group Association, and collectively employ more than 16,833 physicians.