We know that recruiting candidates in any field can be a challenge, and we’re here to help!

The best recruiters don’t just fill positions - they build relationships, navigate industry challenges, and ensure the best possible fit between physicians and healthcare organizations.

While there are many qualities that define a great recruiter, the following five characteristics are foundational for success in physician recruitment.

Passion

If you’re not interested in the work you’re doing, then you’re less likely to have the drive that is necessary to accomplish your goals. The goals you want to accomplish could be career-related, company-related, or personal goals that you have set for yourself. Regardless, being passionate about the work you do is important. It stimulates motivation and drive.

Adaptivity

The healthcare industry is constantly evolving - from shifting job market trends to regulatory changes and technological advancements. A great recruiter must be flexible and adaptable to stay ahead.

Key areas where adaptability is crucial:

• Market fluctuations – Demand for certain specialties may change rapidly.
• Process adjustments – Virtual interviews and telemedicine roles have reshaped recruitment strategies.
• Candidate expectations – Physicians today seek better work-life balance, competitive compensation, and career growth opportunities.

Recruiters must be willing to learn, pivot, and embrace new technologies to stay competitive in the field.

Patience

Recruiting doesn’t happen overnight. According to the Association for Advancing Physician and Provider Recruitment, it takes six to twelve months to fill a physician vacancy in many specialties (AAPPR, 2023). The ability to remain patient and focus on long-term success is essential.

Physician recruiters need patience to:

• Manage lengthy hiring cycles without rushing placements.
• Navigate multiple decision-makers, from hospital administrators to candidates' families.
• Handle setbacks, such as declined offers or unexpected contract negotiations.

A recruiter’s ability to stay focused and persistent ensures the best outcomes for both candidates and employers.

Endurance

This one goes hand in hand with patience. You’ll need endurance to get through the long process. The endurance is what will keep you motivated throughout the recruitment process. It is important that you stay positive and keep moving even when the task seems daunting.  In addition, recruiting can be repetitive. You find the perfect candidate, you reach out, conversation is exchanged, they apply, and then it goes on from there.

Confidence

Without confidence in both yourself and in others, it will be difficult for you to complete your recruiting process. You need to be confident that you will find the perfect fit for your company, regardless of how long it takes. You also have to be confident in yourself – the more confident you are when you speak, the more certain you seem about information you are sharing. You will come off as trustworthy to whoever you are speaking with.

Successful physician recruiters bring passion, adaptability, patience, endurance, and confidence to their work. These qualities drive meaningful connections, build trust, and ensure lasting placements that benefit both healthcare organizations and medical professionals.

If you’re looking to streamline your recruitment strategy, PracticeMatch offers comprehensive physician sourcing solutions, virtual career fairs, and recruitment tools to help you connect with top candidates.

Contact us today to learn more.

*Originally posted on 1/10/2022. Last updated on 1/19/2025.

With a career focused on healthcare Business Development and Service Line performance, Paul had recently been at the forefront redefining the traditional In-house Provider Recruiting role. In his position as Medical Staff Development Officer at University Hospitals, Lake Health Region in Cleveland, Ohio, Paul integrated collegial interaction, analytics, and provider experience expertise to drive a differentiated recruitment strategy.

 

Paul has brought that knowledge and experience to Client Sourcing at PracticeMatch. Joining PracticeMatch in 2021, Paul supports Client Sourcing’s pro-active recruiting model that generates a robust prospect pool, creates an effective and efficient recruiting experience, and identifies key metrics to ensure optimal performance for the client. Paul has a commitment to learning, development and passion for building a team of recruiting professionals to leverage their national footprint which benefits its client organizations and their candidates.