I’m often asked how I got into physician recruiting. People find it to be an interesting career, and they are curious to know more. I’m asked if I went to medical school; if I planned to be a physician recruiter; and how I learned the clinical knowledge I’ve picked up.
Though there are different paths you can take to become a physician recruiter, most paths end up on a similar road after you’ve been in the industry a while.
The path to become a physician recruiter
In the hospital and health care clinic world, many physician recruiters have backgrounds in nursing. Typically, this is because nurses have a unique clinical understanding of what is needed in a physician candidate. They know and understand the clinical aspects involved and can speak intelligently with physicians from the start.
A number of physician recruiters previously recruited for non-physician specialties, such as allied health care (RN, pharmacy, OT, PT, and pretty much any specialty in the health care field). Some come from the hospital staff after having served in roles such as credentialing, marketing, business development or human resources. Some, like myself, come from recruiting backgrounds in other industries, such as information technology.
A health care background or formal clinical training is not mandatory to be an effective and successful physician recruiter. The key is to be able to develop the skills needed to be an effective communicator and excellent listener.
The skills of a successful physician recruiter
Though the industry is starting to change as the profession matures, there are still those who view physician recruiting as simply “wining and dining” or “schmoozing” your way into good graces with a physician so that he or she will want to accept a position within your organization.
Though there are certainly legitimate aspects of sales that are incorporated into the physician recruitment process, most of the many activities associated with recruiting are centered around listening, communicating and building relationships.
Traits of successful physician recruiters
Desire, enthusiasm, a positive mental attitude, great listening and communication skills, and an impeccable work ethic can take you far in any industry. This is especially true in the physician recruitment industry. These are arguably the most important personal skills and attributes to have for anyone who wants to make physician recruitment a career.
Most employers, such as hospitals, clinics, academic facilities and third-party service providers, require physician recruiters to have a bachelor’s degree. Many organizations strongly prefer, or will require, a master’s degree. This is particularly true for those serving in leadership capacities and leading other recruiters or teams.
Successful recruiters also display a strong work ethic and are mentally tough enough to be able to take rejection. They are also confident when speaking with physicians or senior leaders in positions of authority.
How to learn more about becoming a physician recruiter
For those interested in exploring an opportunity in physician recruitment, a great first step is to talk with those in the field and ask questions. Better yet, ask for permission to shadow them and spend a couple of days observing what we do and how we do it.
Those who are already in the physician recruitment industry would greatly benefit from joining the Association of Staff Physician Recruiters, or ASPR. ASPR’s membership is comprised mainly of in-house physician recruitment professionals who are employed directly by health care organizations to recruit physicians and other health care providers for opportunities within their individual communities. Physician recruiters can also benefit from joining local ASPR chapters and associations.
Being a member of ASPR allows physician recruiters to network, learn and contribute on various topics, earn professional industry certification, and access invaluable resources.
Physician recruiters must be patient, persistent, and be willing to persevere. But perhaps the most important attribute to possess is the genuine desire to want to help others and earn the satisfaction that comes from doing so.
