Is medicine a calling? According to a joint Jackson Physician Search and LocumTenens.com survey, the answer is a resounding, “yes.” According to the report, “Is Medicine Still a Calling: Exploring Physician Attitudes About Purpose in Medicine,” nine in ten physicians and advanced practice providers said medicine was definitely or probably their calling. However, for most, the sense of calling or purpose has waned over the years. The study examines what clinicians need to maintain a sense of passion and purpose in their work, ultimately concluding that for clinicians to stay connected to their purpose, they must spend more of their time with patients and have the autonomy to problem-solve and make decisions in the best interests of their patients.
It almost seems too simple. When physicians do more of what they are trained to do — treat patients — and less administrative work, they will feel more connected to their purpose and consequently, according to the study, be happier in their jobs.
Fortunately, healthcare organizations like Montrose Regional Health in western Colorado have known this “secret” for some time. Their motto, “treating patients like family,” only works when physicians and everyone else employed by the organization also feel like family, and being a family means aligning on a shared mission. When they need to add to their “family,” they turn to Director of Recruiting at Jackson Physician Search, Olivia Georgia, who has been helping them find physicians aligned with their mission for more than five years.
A Cardiologist with a Mission to Serve
Dr. Mojgan Arashvand, a cardiologist practicing in Fargo, North Dakota, liked what she read about Montrose’s mission in Olivia’s job advertisement that she found online. She and her partner wanted to relocate to Colorado, and though she had just begun her cardiology job search, the Montrose cardiology job ad stood out for the way it articulated the organization’s mission and culture. She reached out to Olivia for more information.
Having partnered with Montrose for so long, Olivia was well-versed in the organization and community. She could easily answer Dr. Arashvand’s questions about the leadership at Montrose and what it was like to practice there. Olivia’s enthusiasm for the organization was both genuine and contagious. Afterward, Dr. Arashvand was eager to apply for the job.
Recruiting for Alignment
Olivia presented Dr. Arashvand to Montrose CEO, Jeff Mengenhausen, who was excited to get to know her. After an initial call, he invited Dr. Arashvand to Montrose for an on-site interview, and Olivia ensured it was scheduled as soon as possible. Within a few weeks, Dr. Arajvand and her partner flew to Montrose, where they were welcomed by leadership and immersed in the community. It was clear right away that the organization offered everything she was looking for in an employer.
The seamless recruitment process, refined over the years through the close partnership between Olivia and Jeff, made the decision easy for Dr. Arashvand. The physician compensation was competitive, the location suited her, and most of all, she believed the organization would support her in living out her purpose, which she sees as helping patients live their best lives.
Purposeful Practice
Shortly after starting at Montrose, Dr. Arashvand had an opportunity to do just this. When her patient, Tim Decker, came to her complaining of tiredness and general malaise, she ran tests and diagnosed a condition that other cardiologists had missed. She talked Mr. Decker into undergoing surgery for the condition, which he did and has since fully recovered. The testimonial video below shares the details along with Mr. Decker’s heartfelt gratitude for Dr. Arashvand.
“I don’t know where I would have been had I not come to Dr. Arashvand. So, every day is a new day for me,” Tim says.
Though she insists she’s just doing her job, she also admits she loves how grateful the patient community is at Montrose. “I like the people here,” she explains. “They are happy and grateful you are here. They don’t take it for granted, and that is extremely important.”
Secrets to Cardiology Job Search Success
Dr. Arashvand was drawn to the Montrose cardiology job ad, but it was Olivia’s deep knowledge and genuine enthusiasm for the organization that really intrigued her. After that initial call, things moved quickly, and once Dr. Arashvand arrived in Montrose, she was pleased to see everything was exactly as it had been presented to her. This laid the foundation of trust on which the relationships could grow.
Dr Arashvand paid attention to the details. She noticed when words lined up with actions. The organization followed through on the little things, which allowed her to believe they would also follow through on the big things — things like their commitment to putting patients first and giving physicians the autonomy to make decisions in the best interests of their patients. Ultimately, Dr. Arashvand trusted her instincts and was happy to accept the offer from Montrose — a decision she has never regretted. She is grateful to Olivia and Jeff for welcoming her into the Montrose family.
Why Every Physician Match Matters
As matchmakers, our goal is to make the recruitment process seamless for the physicians we place and the organizations that need them. Because at the heart of every placement is a patient waiting for care. In this video, hear the touching story of Dr. Arashvand and Tim Decker’s journey as patient and provider.
If you are seeking a new opportunity and want to ensure the employer aligns with your values, the recruitment team at Jackson Physician Search is eager to help. Reach out today or start your online physician job search now.
