Over the past decade, the number of US physicians employed by hospitals or health systems has surpassed the number in private practice. According to an Avelere study, as reported by Fierce Healthcare, nearly 78% of physicians are employed by hospitals or other corporate entities. This is up from 26% just twelve years ago. This massive change is partially a result of a spike in hospitals, health systems, and venture capitalists acquiring individual private practices and physician-owned groups. Also contributing to the trend are the rising challenges involved with running a practice — billing issues, staff shortages, cost pressures, etc. Many physicians coming out of training don’t want the added pressure of running a practice, so instead of a partnership track, they opt for the relative simplicity of hospital or health system employment.
Of course, physician employment comes with a number of challenges as well. An article for Beckers ASC analyzed a study from Bain & Company that found physicians employed by hospital-owned groups were three times as likely to report dissatisfaction as those employed by physician-owned groups. Specifically, hospital-employed physicians report concerns about compensation, staffing levels, workload, and autonomy.
A General Surgeon Unhappy in Large Health System
As a general surgeon working in a major health system in Dallas, Dr. M could certainly relate to these concerns. However, a lack of trust in leadership led him to search for a new general surgeon job. He hoped to find an opportunity with an independently owned organization where he would be more likely to have access to leadership and a voice in decision-making.
Dr. M’s desire for open communication with leadership is not unique. A 2022 Jackson Physician Search study asked physicians to share which factors most impact their job satisfaction, and two-way communication with management topped the list. Physicians want a relationship of trust, where they know how and when important decisions are being made and feel they have a voice in making them.
An Independent Hospital Seeking General Surgeon
Meanwhile, Senior Search Consultant Dan Rixon was working with an independent hospital in a small city in South Texas. Jackson Physician Search had successfully placed an interventional cardiologist and a radiation oncologist for them several years ago, and they now needed assistance recruiting a general surgeon. A retiring surgeon had moved up his timeline, so they were under pressure to find someone quickly.
Dan put together a general surgery job post focusing on the size of the group — small enough to give physicians a voice but large enough to offer adequate support — as well as the availability of robotics. The city was small but less than two hours from several major metros. Weekend getaways for shopping and entertainment would be easy.
A Perfect Match
Dr. M saw Dan’s general surgeon job posting online, and the details about group size and autonomy caught his attention. He immediately reached out to Dan to learn more. During their call, it became clear to Dan that Dr. M was an ideal candidate. Dan knew Dr. M would be a great cultural fit based on his previous success recruiting physicians to the practice. He was also confident that the practice aligned with the organizational structure Dr. M was looking for. Just as Dan hoped, Dr. M liked everything he heard about the job.
Dan presented Dr. M to the client immediately, and they scheduled a call a few days later. The connection was clear, and the next step was for Dr. M and his wife to come for an on-site interview. When get got there, he hit it off with everyone he met. It was apparent that Dr. M had found where he belonged. Leadership was engaging and accessible, the group was collaborative, and the smaller city fit his family well. The only thing Dr. M needed was a sign-on bonus to help with relocation, which Dan was happy to help negotiate. They extended an offer, and Dr. M was excited to accept and get started as soon as possible.
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 searching for physician jobs online now.
