A duo-physician couple traveled to MidMichigan Health with their two young daughters to evaluate new opportunities and a new community.
Waiting for them upon their arrival was a thoughtful basket filled with handmade items from a local store, featuring products made by artisans in Haiti.
The gifts were a hit—but even more important was the feeling it left with the family. The gift sent a message: we’ve prepared well for you, and we’d like to welcome you with wide-open arms.
During December, it’s natural to think about gifts. But how do gifts play a role in your physician recruitment strategy year-round?
Offering something during a site visit is an effective way to show that you’re an attentive listener and that you're focused on the candidate’s professional and personal needs.
“I try to include something that I know the provider stated as an interest,” says Sarah Krueger, physician recruiter for MidMichigan Health. “For example, if they like working out, I provide a pass to our community center. If they like wine, I include a nice bottle of wine. If they like coffee, there’s a gift card to an amazing, privately owned coffee shop within walking distance to our hotel.”
Here are some more ideas for successful site visit gifts that can help physician recruiters make an impact all year long.
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1. Treats for pets
Is the candidate a passionate dog or cat person? Tailor a gift basket to benefit their four-legged friends. Include:
- A collar or leash with your logo
- A few specialty treats for their pet
- A puppy spa package
- A candle from a company that supports animal rescue
- A three-month subscription to a dog or cat treat box
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2. Gifts for new parents
When hosting an expectant candidate or spouse, provide a baby shower in a basket—and get the experts involved! Therese Karsten, director of physician recruitment for HCA’s Continental Division, had a team provide a new-parent candidate a basket of baby supplies hand-picked by the NICU staff and pediatric subspecialists—a team that sees more than 6,000 babies a year. It also had a bigger benefit, says Karsten: “It underscored the fact that even the physicians and staff he won’t interact with daily are onboard with his recruitment!”
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3. Logo wear
Capitalize on your brand—or, if you’re affiliated with an academic center—your fans! Include:
- A matching set of coffee mugs
- A hat with your logo or, if affiliated with a college or a professional sports team, a mascot
- T-shirts for the whole family with the college or health system logo
- A fleece with your logo
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4. Local flavor
What’s your community known for, and how can you help them experience it? Include:
- A gift basket selection of your area’s finest
- A gift card to a local provider of the item
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5. In-room treat
“I have ordered warm cookies and milk to be delivered to their room once I know they have arrived,” Krueger says. Include:
- An appetizer or dessert from the hotel’s room service, depending on their scheduled arrival time
- A basket of to-go snacks—especially if children are in tow
- A personal welcome note from you
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6. Practical products
Forgetting a staple can make a candidate feel flustered. Help them out with a few thoughtful stand-bys. Include:
- A multi-device phone charger with your logo
- A small “survival kit” that includes band-aids, mints, Tylenol and wet wipes
- A map of your facility, with the first meeting place identified
- A copy of the site visit's agenda
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7. Kid-friendly activities
Will the site visit include downtime for the physician’s family—or perhaps a community tour during which the kids will be in the car? Include:
- Small coloring books for small kids
- An activity book for the car (Where’s Waldo is a good choice for keeping older kids occupied)
- Tickets to a local museum to help the family explore the community
Physician recruitment is all about building relationships. A thoughtful gift for a physician and family on their first trip to your facility can help you—and your opportunity—stand out!
