2013 Physician Residents and Fellows Job Searching Now

ST. LOUIS, Aug. 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- For health care organizations looking to recruit physicians from the 2013 graduate pool, the time to attract top candidates is now. The 2013 residents and fellows are currently considering their ideal location and practice opportunity. They are likely to interview at multiple locations before the holidays and sign a contract by spring break of 2013.

Job search behaviors and decision-making factors recently reported in the annual Residents and Fellows Survey by Cejka Search provide important insights about the 2012 graduating class. Health care organizations can use this intelligence to gain a competitive advantage in recruiting physicians from the class of 2013.

The new survey reports that half (51 percent) of residents and fellows that emerged from training in 2012 began the interview process prior to December 2011, and 41 percent signed contracts by the end of March 2012.

"All organizations are looking for an edge when recruiting the very best and brightest year in and year out," said Lori Schutte, President, Cejka Search. "It may take a generous offer to turn the heads of new physicians. Recruiting early, delivering an outstanding candidate experience and assessing fit for both the candidate and spouse or significant other are essential strategies for the physician search."

More than two-thirds (67 percent) of the respondents said that their practice opportunity choices and job selection are dependent on the interests of their spouse, significant other or family member – which in an increasing number of instances, includes another physician. In fact, nearly one-quarter (24 percent) of respondents have a spouse or significant other who is also a physician.

The most popular sources recruits used when looking for available physician opportunities included networking with colleagues (63 percent), online job boards (57 percent) and emailed opportunities (54 percent). Residents and fellows most frequently cited online sources connected with specific medical specialty associations while searching for open positions.

The survey also reveals that residents and fellows have clear preferences while selecting their first practice opportunities:

• The large majority of respondents prefer suburban communities over rural locations. Ninety-five percent (95 percent) selected a suburban community as their first or second choice, with 84 percent selecting a metropolitan community in their top two preferred types of location for practice. About one-third (32 percent) of respondents would not consider a rural area.
• Group practice was the ideal choice of practice setting among 46 percent of respondents, who chose either multi-specialty (26 percent) or single-specialty (20 percent) group practice. Twenty-nine percent (29 percent) selected hospital practice as ideal.
• Proximity to family – selected by 72 percent of respondents – was the most frequently reported personal reason that factors into selecting a practice location. This selection was followed by lifestyle (52 percent) and proximity to medical training (38 percent).
• Three-quarters (75 percent) of respondents expected to receive a sign-on bonus. The majority (68 percent) preferred to receive their compensation in the form of a salary with production incentive.

Get more information and request a free copy of the 2012 Residents and Fellows Survey.

About Cejka Search

Cejka Search, http://www.cejkasearch.com, is a nationally recognized physician, health care executive, advanced practice and allied health search firm providing services exclusively to the health care industry for more than 30 years. Cejka Search recruits top health care talent for organizations nationwide through our team of experienced professionals, award-winning recruitment technology and commitment to service excellence. Cejka Search is a Cross Country Healthcare, Inc. company, a leading provider of health care staffing services in the United States.

For more information visit http://www.cejkasearch.com, contact Michelle Kuehler (Black Twig Communications), 314-536-8909, or Mary Barber (Cejka Search), 314-236-4410.

SOURCE Cejka Search