Go Back Home Again:

While the phrase "you can't go home again" may be true for some, for many physicians, returning to a rural area close to their roots is both fulfilling and desirable. Physicians with rural backgrounds are often drawn to the opportunity to serve familiar communities, which provides an important recruiting advantage.

One physician in private practice at a small hospital in rural Ohio shared, “I grew up about 30 minutes away from where I practice now. It's a way to come back home and help people in the area I know very well.” Many physicians feel a personal connection to rural communities and are more likely to remain in the area long-term, reducing turnover and increasing continuity of care.

Know Where the Money Is:

In today’s high-stakes healthcare environment, compensation remains a powerful tool in rural physician recruitment. While some physicians report choosing rural practice for reasons beyond income, financial incentives often help seal the deal. Competitive salaries, student loan repayment programs, and relocation bonuses are all enticing for physicians burdened by the high costs of medical education.

For example, recent data from the National Rural Recruitment and Retention Network (3RNet) suggests that loan repayment programs and higher starting salaries are key motivators for attracting physicians to rural settings. Recruiters should highlight these benefits to prospective hires, framing rural healthcare as both financially and professionally rewarding.

Talk About Thankful Folks:

While financial incentives are important, rural practice offers additional intangible benefits, such as a strong sense of community. In rural areas, patients are often more appreciative of their healthcare providers. “Compared to patients in urban areas, those in rural communities are often sicker, and they truly appreciate the efforts we make to improve their health,” says the Ohio physician.

This sense of connection and gratitude can be incredibly fulfilling for physicians. According to an ED physician in rural Oregon, “The community feels a sense of ownership of their local hospital. There’s a unique bond here that keeps me engaged and invested in my work.”

Start Spreading the News:

"There are probably a number of residents coming out of programs who have no idea that jobs even exist in areas like ours," the Oregon ED physician says. "They read all the big national stuff that says 'Don't go to places like Oregon, there are no jobs there,' but that couldn't be further from the truth. There are probably 10 hospitals in the state who are continually looking for one or two more doctors in the emergency department–including ours."

Recruiters could be the connection between the unaware residents and these understaffed rural facilities. "I know there are people who would love to come work with us, they just don't know yet," he added.

So, the next time you have to fill a position in a rural location, just remember that you can use a magnet to find that needle in the haystack.

 

*Originally posted on 5/11/2023. Last updated on 11/1/2024.