“Physicians don’t care so much about their pay. They care about their wellness.”
That's the overarching theme of a presentation by Zachary Conrad, D.O., an emergency medicine resident at Merit Health Wesley in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, who's also the COO of Professionalism and Leadership in the Medical Setting (PaLMS), an organization that helps physicians learn effective leadership styles and behaviors.
At the PracticeLink annual all-staff meeting, Dr. Conrad outlined what physicians want from their employers—especially in a changing health care environment.
Dr. Conrad conducted a survey among 23 attendings and about 20 residents to find out what employment features would make physicians happy. Their answers can be a starting point for health care organizations looking to improve their employer brands.
The responses were:
The top request for both groups? Strong leaders who have physicians' backs.
As an employer looking to stand out and attract the best physician talent, take a closer look at the emails you’re sending physicians, the collateral you’re using at job fairs and specialty meetings, and the ads you’re running in journals.
Then, consider:
Share below! Do Dr. Conrad’s survey results align with your recruitment experiences? What tips can you offer to respond to those needs and wants?