Finding Your First Job: Are Orthopedists in Training and Hiring Medical Practices on the Same Page?

Abstract

A study of orthopedic surgeons in training and hiring practices that is designed to investigate the priorities of applicants and employers in the hiring process. Introduction: This study was designed to determine important factors to hiring practices when evaluating the application of a potential hire and compare them with the factors emphasized by candidates as most important to them in a job. Methods: This survey was designed to compare the priorities of hiring practices to job applicants with regards to several categories including: how applicants and jobs are identified, what factors might be important to a practice when evaluating job applicants and what factors might be important to a job applicant when applying. Hiring practices were further asked to elaborate on previous unsuccessful hires and the reasons for failure. Results: Hiring practices and applicants agree that personal or professional referrals are the most important resource for finding a job, but disagree in the utility of recruiters and social media. Hiring practices and potential applicants agree that the need for a particular subspecialty and recommendations are the most important factors for a practice to consider when choosing a new hire. Applicants tend to place a higher value on commitment to a region, personal connections and fellowship prestige, while practices are more interested in recommendations from residency directors, prior employers, operative ability and community involvement. Applicants and hiring practices both understand that the ability to practice within one’s subspecialty, salary potential and a candidate’s preference for location are critical. Hiring practices underestimate the importance of a starting salary and signing bonus to an applicant and overestimate the importance of practice reputation and the availability of ancillary services. Discussion/Conclusion: There are significant misunderstandings between young surgeons applying for their first job and hiring practices. To be successful young physicians should strive to understand the motivations of hiring groups. Similarly, orthopedic practices can save themselves significant time and money by understanding the motivations of surgeons entering the work force.