Senior Search Consultant Addyson Wilgus leads an ongoing partnership with a rural Iowa critical access hospital. After a 41-day radiation-oncology placement, the hospital enlisted her to continue recruiting providers to bring both specialty and primary care to the community.
Across the nation, residents in rural communities are more likely to experience higher rates of chronic diseases and lower life expectancies than their urban and suburban counterparts. These disparities are often linked to limited access to healthcare services, a situation exacerbated by financial pressures and staffing shortages that have led many rural hospitals to reduce services or close entirely. In Iowa, this issue is particularly evident. According to the American Medical Association (as reported by the Gazette), Iowa has one of the lowest physician-to-patient ratios in the country, with 97 of the state’s 99 counties classified as healthcare professional shortage areas.
Despite these challenges, one critical access hospital in southwest Iowa serves as a beacon of hope. With the opening of a new cancer center, residents no longer have to drive long distances for treatment. However, the center initially lacked a radiation oncology department. Though leadership had tried to find a physician qualified to start the program, their efforts had been unsuccessful. Knowing the program was critical for the community, the hospital partnered with Jackson Physician Search to help with this important search.
Defining the Radiation Oncology Role
Senior Search Consultant Addyson Wilgus is no stranger to the challenges of rural physician recruitment, and she felt confident in her ability to find rural physician recruitment success. While the search began right before the December holidays, Addyson didn’t let that slow her down. She drafted a radiation oncology job posting that highlighted the state-of-the-art cancer center, a three-day work week, and solid compensation. Thanks to the vast Jackson Physician Search job board network, the job received quite a lot of interest. However, as she spoke with potential candidates about the new program, many worried that a three-day work week would not be enough to start and sustain the program.
Addyson took the feedback to leadership. Since it was their first time offering this role and service line, she was hopeful the insight from experienced providers would strengthen the program and recruitment efforts. The internal team was thankful to be made aware of the concerns and adjusted the parameters accordingly.
An Early Front-Runner
Addyson presented the client with the candidates who impressed her the most. In late January, the facility leaders conducted an on-site interview with Dr. A, their favorite of the prospects. Dr. A was an experienced radiation oncologist who was already working in Iowa. He was everything they wanted in a candidate. Not only was he licensed in Iowa and able to start quickly, but he was also passionate about rural healthcare. The chance to start a radiation oncology program and make a difference in the region excited him. He came to the interview ready to present a five-year plan to build the program.
During her visit, Addyson advised her client to act fast if they felt Dr. A was the best physician for the job. She also consulted with them on the compensation package. Dr. A requested more than they initially offered, but Addyson put together a revenue report to demonstrate how much revenue they were losing by delaying the program’s launch. Hiring Dr. A and empowering him to execute his five-year plan for the program would more than justify the additional salary. Leadership agreed and extended the adjusted offer, which Dr. A quickly accepted.
Secrets of Physician Recruitment Success
The hospital was thrilled to have a candidate so well-matched for the job, and the speed at which Addyson identified him exceeded all expectations. Addyson attributes her success to the vast reach of Jackson Physician Search’s network and stresses how important it was for her client to respond to feedback and act quickly. Dr. A was in high demand and was simultaneously interviewing with several other organizations. Knowing this, Addyson’s client wasted no time getting him on-site and extending an offer. Keeping the process moving is crucial to holding candidates’ attention, a point this placement demonstrates.
An Ongoing Physician Recruitment Partnership
The 41-day radiation oncology placement launched a strong partnership between the hospital and Jackson Physician Search. Addyson led several more searches afterward for a family medicine physician, a cardiologist, an internal medicine physician, and a hospitalist advanced practice provider. Rural Iowa is not typically a highly sought-after location, but Addyson’s skillful use of digital tools and intelligent marketing techniques allow her to identify potential candidates efficiently. Her genuine enthusiasm for the client makes candidates want to learn more about the organization. From there, the client does an excellent job rolling out the red carpet for candidates, listening to their needs, and keeping them engaged.
The partnership’s success has now brought five providers to the organization, making a massive difference in the lives of citizens in the region. Cancer patients no longer have to drive long distances for treatment. Those suffering from heart issues now have access to a full-time cardiologist, and access to primary care continues to improve. Rural communities need access to healthcare of all specialties, and thanks to one hospital’s partnership with Jackson Physician Search, residents of southwest Iowa are that much closer to getting the care they deserve.
Does your organization have a challenging position to fill? The recruitment team at Jackson Physician Search has the access and expertise to identify candidates who meet your needs. Reach out today to learn more.
