Ob.Gyn. News - Working With a Quality Placement Firm
There are several benefits to having an experienced recruiter on your side.
Finding a new position is one of life's most stressful events. After all, the decision will affect nearly every aspect of a physician's life, including income, future opportunities for professional growth, the community one lives in, the patients one will serve, the schools children will attend, access to extracurricular activities, and the hospitals one will be affiliated with.
Many physicians choose to go it alone, but there are benefits to working with a quality search firm.
The best firms can ease the burden by essentially prescreening potential practices and
communities to ensure a good fit. The key word is "quality." Not all firms are alike.
The quality of a search firm depends upon many factors. A good place to start the search is with the National Association of Physician Recruiters membership list, available at www.napr.org. Physician recruiters who are NAPR members adhere to a strict code of ethics that essentially ensure they play fair.
Ryan Anholt, executive vice president of Delta Physician Placement in Dallas, says several characteristics distinguish a reputable firm. A quality search firm will do the following:
- Assist with contract negotiations.
- Fully understand what the market will bear, and have frank discussions with a physician candidate regarding appropriate compensation.
- Ask the candidate in-depth questions related to professional and personal goals, to ensure not only the position, but also the community, can meet the physician's expectations.
- Answer most of a physician's questions with little effort, and demonstrate that they thoroughly understand the practice and community.
- Ask tough but tactful questions regarding sensitive topics, such as track to partnership and bonus payouts.
- Take care of all the details related to a site visit, such as airfare, lodging, and meals.
- Tell a physician candidate if they think a certain position is not a good match.
- Never charge a physician for their services.
