By: Allison McCarthy, MBA | amccarthy@barlowmccarthy.com

Some see it as an opportunity to slow down but don’t let yourself be fooled.  This is a great time to be doing all you can to build up your provider recruitment pipeline. Just adapt your approach to fit the time of year. For example:

  • People are in a more generous mood and patient schedules at a slower pace. Give your physicians a short list and ask them to network with potential prospects.
  • This is the time of year when residents learn whether they have been accepted into a fellowship. Prepare a list of those that told you that was their plan and reach back to see if it got fulfilled.  If not, they will need an alternative plan and you just might be it.
  • For those returning home for holiday visits, invite them to have coffee with a physician leader or potential practicing colleague. You then create a more personalized introductory conversation.
  • Consider those practicing physicians that will make a “New Year” resolution to search for a new position. Review your postings to be sure the content is compelling enough to trigger a response.

The holiday season may not seem like a great time for recruiting, but if you look beyond the hustle and bustle, you’ll find many opportunities to connect with well-qualified candidates. With just a bit of ingenuity and creative thinking, you can make the most of the unique recruitment advantages that this time of year offers.