Explore how Director of Physician Executive Search Mark Dotson and VP of Executive Search Tom Rossi recruited a mission-minded Chief Medical Officer who could advance a hospital’s complex care services while connecting deeply with the community in just 126 days.
When a growing health system with nearly 100 hospitals across the country needed to hire a new Chief Medical Officer for its location along the Texas–Mexico border, its leadership knew exactly where to turn. They had partnered with Jackson Physician Search for years on clinical recruitment and had previously worked directly with Vice President of Executive Search Tom Rossi, as well as Director of Physician Executive Search Mark Dotson, on executive-level searches. That history — and the trust built through multiple successful placements — gave them confidence that Mark was the right recruiter for this critical role and that our team could deliver the leader their hospital needed.
The hospital, a ~330-bed facility, provides a wide array of critical services: Level III trauma, Level III NICU, stroke and chest pain programs, and bariatric surgery. The CEO was looking to expand its services even further to add more complex care delivery, which the new Chief Medical Officer would help grow. It was not just about finding a capable CMO — they needed a physician leader who could not only manage a robust, joint-commission–accredited hospital, but also deeply connect with a bilingual, tight-knit community.
Building the Strategy
From the outset, Tom and Mark combined their expertise. First, they made a profile visit, traveling to the region to get a first-hand feel for the hospital culture, the community, and the leadership dynamics. This wasn’t a quick stop — Tom and Mark met with local stakeholders, toured the facility, and absorbed what it meant to serve in a place where many patients are bilingual and families have generational ties.
To launch the search, Mark tapped into his extensive network, including prior connections in that part of the state. He also broadened the search, posting the role across multiple national job boards, professional associations, and digital channels.
Engaging the Perfect Candidate
Mark’s strategy yielded strong candidate activity, with responses from four highly qualified physician leaders interested in relocating to the community. One of the first — and strongest — responses came from Dr. V, a native of that very region, who reached out after seeing the posting.
Dr. V was an experienced leader motivated to return home to be closer to her aging parents and siblings. Beyond her credentials — board certification, post-training experience, and executive leadership — she checked every box culturally. She was bilingual, deeply connected to the community, and understood what it meant to care for patients who might otherwise have to drive hours for specialized treatment.
Even though the search progressed through a rigorous internal process — phone screens, on-site interviews, and executive approvals — Mark kept the cadence strong. He maintained regular communication with Dr. V, nurturing her interest and ensuring she remained engaged as the health system’s decision-makers moved through their protocols. On the hospital’s side, leadership leaned in hard. The CEO provided a warm, personalized experience: real estate tours, dinners, and introductions to community members — all to make her feel at home.
Sealing the Deal: Partnership + Patience
Over the course of about five weeks, the organization finalized the job offer. Dr. V accepted just days after it was extended, choosing the hospital over other opportunities because it not only allowed her to return home and support her family, but the hospital’s commitment to growth and community impact resonated deeply, and the CEO and culture made it a place she wanted to lead. What started as a conversation in April culminated in a signed agreement in just 126 days.
Today, Dr. V leads the hospital’s clinical vision and quality efforts as CMO. Her appointment strengthens the leadership team with a physician who combines deep clinical acumen, executive experience, and personal commitment to the community she calls home.
If you have a tough-to-fill position, the executive search team at Jackson Physician Search has the national reach and industry expertise to accelerate your search. Reach out today to see for yourself why Jackson Physician Search boasts a 97% customer satisfaction score and 90% of clients award us multiple searches.
