Why did you decide to become a physician recruiter?
I first got into physician recruiting in 1998, when my husband and I moved from North Carolina to Chicago. I had been involved in marketing and public relations, and I assumed I’d continue to work in that field. However, I have several relatives who are doctors, and the idea of helping physicians find meaningful career opportunities was very appealing to me. Once I started, I found out that I loved the work of a recruiter. I took a break from working while my children were young, and now I’m excited to be back in the field.
Walk me through a typical relationship you have with a physician candidate?
The first thing I like to do is find out what their ideal career opportunity would look like. I ask lots of questions and use that information to go out and find positions that meet their criteria. I also like to speak with the spouse or significant other, because oftentimes, they have unique needs as well. It’s important to make sure the opportunity will be a good match for the entire family.
What advantages does a physician have working with you?
As a recruiter, I consider myself an educator and facilitator as much as anything. I help them find the position they want, and then I coach them through the process, so they can get an offer that will be acceptable to them. I always make sure to speak with them prior to the interview, so that I can give tips that will help them be successful. When the interview is complete, I will help them through the next steps of the process. I can assist them in accepting a position they want, or gracefully declining an opportunity that isn’t a good fit.
Do the physicians who work with you feel pressured to accept an opportunity that you represent?
All I can do is help them find opportunities that seem exciting and appealing. Once they’ve interviewed and visited a site, only the physician can decide if it’s a good fit. I will help them get into a position to receive an offer, but after that, it is up to the individual to consider if it is truly the right opportunity for them. I hope that each physician who works with me will gain insight and knowledge that will help them find the ultimate career opportunity, whether it’s through me or not.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not recruiting physicians?
I love being outdoors. I walk my golden retriever every day of the year, whether it’s a blizzard or a heat wave. My family loves going on hikes in the woods. I spend a lot of time attending my two sons’ soccer, basketball and baseball games, and my daughter’s dance competitions. I’m also active in my community, and have spent two terms on the city council in my hometown of Woodbury, MN.