UT Southwestern Invites The Carlisle Group to Speak on Physician Recruiting Ethics

Irving, TX, May 22, 2009 --(PR.com)-- The Dallas-based UT Southwestern Medical Center is once again welcoming The Carlisle Group to speak about ethics and the physician recruitment industry for their Family Medicine Residency Program. Hosted by TCG’s Jeremy Robinson, the presentation begins with what exactly physician recruiting is and the importance of ethical accountability. Continuing with information specific to residents such as physician stipends and how to keep recruiters ethical, there is also discussion about compensation trends and establishing communication standards.

Robinson explained to the residents the basics of physician recruiting, including how firms work to find qualified candidates for the healthcare facilities that hire them. “The recruitment firms should make each party’s life easier rather than stressful,” said Jeremy Robinson, a veteran of the industry. Physician recruiters that are worth their salt will screen and vet candidates for clients based on their education, credentials and prior experience. The recruiter will then assist with coordinating the interview process between the client and the prospective candidate.

For physicians, recruiting firms facilitate the search for an opportunity by investigating available opportunities based on parameters including location, compensa­tion, quality of life, and practice setting. A good recruiting firm will provide physicians with statistical data to substantiate the opportunity, help with licensure information and advice on how to interview. They will even assist physicians with travel, free of charge; the client is paying for quality candidates for an opportunity, not the other way around. Recruitment firms are also there to act as a third party to assist with contract negotiation.

To keep physician recruiting firms ethical, The Carlisle Group recommends several suggestions. Asking questions about how much the firm understands a physician’s specialty and how many years of experience they have working in placing physicians can give physicians a clear idea of the level of success a firm has. Clear communication goes a long way with keeping recruiters ethical, as well. Setting up boundaries goes hand in hand with open communication. By being up front with a recruiter about what times are appropriate to call, both parties can avoid being hassled or having intentions misconstrued.

Robinson also detailed what physicians that are still in residency should consider when planning their next career move, explaining that residents should begin considering the next step in their career no later than 8 months from residency completion. However, more facilities providing stipends for Residents who are up to two years out from completing their residency in order to retain their services. In today’s economy, it pays to be proactive and decide on an opportunity earlier than ever before.

“A lot of physicians have a tough time financially throughout their residency, not even aware that hospitals will provide stipends during this time to retain their services afterwards.” said Robinson. “Stipends can often double a resident’s annual salary and guarantees employment after residency. It’s a win-win situation for both parties.”

In an industry that can be stressful for everyone involved, The Carlisle Group strives to deliver an honest and responsible business model to their clients and physicians. "The Carlisle Group was very well received by the residents," said Dr. Sam Hooper, assistant professor of the UT Southwestern Family Medicine Residency Program. "TCG will be invited back to speak for many years to come."

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