Physicians who are married to another physician face unique job search challenges as they navigate their individual career paths while balancing the professional and personal needs of their partners. This is a scenario more and more physicians are experiencing. A 2022 joint study from Jackson Physician Search and LocumTenens.com found nearly one in five Millennial physicians is married to another physician. For Generation X, the percentage was 12%, and for Baby Boomers, 5%. The data is clear – the number of physicians marrying physicians increases with each generation.
In the past, we’ve shared job search advice for dual-physician couples, but a recent job search success story demonstrates that leveraging a well-connected physician recruiter in both job searches is highly beneficial for finding each partner a position that is right for them and compatible with each other. In this success story, our recruiter’s close relationship with her longtime client led to the double placement for a young couple. She had the inside knowledge and years of recruitment success to know what the organization was looking for and how to identify a candidate who would fit, succeed, and stay there. Keep reading to learn how Senior Search Consultant Stephanie Hutchens helped both physicians secure jobs that matched all of their needs.
One Couple, Two Physician Jobs
As Dr. S’s critical care fellowship was winding down, he was starting to get serious about his first physician job search. He was closely watching job boards, seeking a position with an organization that would sponsor his J-1 visa waiver and possibly have an opening for his wife, who was also an internal medicine physician. After strenuous residencies and fellowships, they were both hoping to find jobs that would allow a healthy work-life balance. He had uploaded his resume to several physician job boards and was watching for opportunities that might be a fit.
While Dr. S was keeping an eye out for new critical care job postings, Senior Search Consultant Stephanie Hutchens was keeping an eye on new physician CVs uploaded to the system. When she encountered Dr. S’s CV, she immediately thought of her longtime client, a community hospital in rural West Virginia in need of a critical care specialist.
Stephanie reached out to Dr. S to learn more about him and see if he could be the one for the job. During the call, she also learned his wife was seeking a hospitalist position. They were eager to learn more about potential opportunities with Stephanie’s client.
A Hospital With a Need
Stephanie approached the hospital about the couple and was met with excitement. Over the years, Stephanie has become an extension of the hospital’s team as a dedicated recruitment partner, so they already felt confident about the potential for another strong match. The couple, currently living about two hours from the hospital, arranged to be on-site within two weeks for interviews. Both physicians were impressed with what they found. Between the 7-on/7-off schedule, J-1 Visa sponsorship, and dual opportunity, everything aligned with what they were looking for.
The hospital extended offers and began preparing paperwork for the visa waiver. However, when Stephanie followed up with the couple, Dr. S shared he had a higher offer from another organization. They preferred to work together at the hospital Stephanie introduced them to but asked if it could match the offer and ensure the couple’s 7-on/7-off schedules would align. He needed the commitment that they would have the same days off, or else they would not be able to accept. The hospital, willing to do what it took to secure the right candidates, agreed to the scheduling request and was able to increase Dr. S’s salary and signing bonus to be consistent with his other offer after talking with Stephanie. Both physicians were happy to accept the new terms.
Physician Job Search Success
Leveraging physician job boards to learn about new opportunities is a smart move for any physician starting a job search, but it was Dr. S’s decision to upload his CV that allowed Stephanie to find him. This was critical to his and his wife’s job search success. Stephanie identified him as a fit for the opportunity with the hospital, which led to her finding out about his wife’s job search as well. Moving forward, she was able to take the guesswork out for the couple and her client, recognizing the compatibility for everyone involved, leading to the interviews and, ultimately, offers.
The story demonstrates how important a physician recruiter can be in the job search for any physician, especially a dual-physician couple. It’s rare to find a single organization hiring two physicians in the exact specialties the couple needs. However, a dedicated recruiter will have strong relationships with organizations and know where the existing needs are. Whether you want to share an employer or simply find jobs that are best for your family, partnering with a dedicated physician recruiter increases the chances of securing not just one but two positions that are fit for yourselves and each other.
Are you and your spouse facing a dual-physician job search? Our recruitment team is eager to learn more about your unique needs. Reach out today to learn more about how a physician recruiter can assist you in your search.
