Recruiting physicians isn’t easy. That’s why Uintah Basin Medical Center (UBMC) is partnering with the Office of Primary Care and Rural Health (PCRH) to share their strategy for successfully recruiting 3 new physicians.
To recruit this high-demand talent, the medical center didn’t just rely on their cutting edge technology and equipment. They also prepared to meet the needs of the physician’s families.
“Families ask about opportunities for work, education, and entertainment,” said Karli Morris, administrative assistant and medical staff coordinator, UBMC. “We try to customize the site visit for the needs and interests of the physician’s family. We will arrange tours of local schools with the principal and take a look at local facilities (aquatic center, library, sports facilities, etc.) If they happen to be here during a local celebration or event, we may attend that, too.”
Roger Marett, vice president at UBMC, adds a personal touch when it comes to recruiting physicians to his facility. His team invites the entire family to come to Utah. The medical center makes all of the arrangements, including flights, hotels, rental car, and meals. Families, including spouses, or significant others, are included in as much or as little as they’d like.
“We arranged lunch and invited all of our other physicians and providers to give everyone a chance to get to know each other, and the candidate and their spouse an opportunity to ask any questions they may have. In the evening we arranged for dinner off campus with a few physicians and providers and their spouses.” Marett said. “We find this is a more casual environment and is an opportunity to help them see themselves in our community and get to know the people they’ll be working with.”
Two of the providers are family medicine physicians, and both were born and raised in Utah. The third is currently stationed in New Mexico finishing up a sports medicine fellowship. Marett’s team plans to give a warm small town welcome by helping the new staff pack, load the truck, drive to Roosevelt, and move into their new home.
“Moving can be stressful,” Marett said. “We want our medical staff to know they are supported, and to help the transition to UBMC be as smooth as possible.”
UBMC sits at the heart of the Uintah Basin in the rural community of Roosevelt. The medical center utilizes both the Rural Physicians Loan Repayment Program and the Health Care Workforce Financial Assistance Program to incentivize staff to work in their community.
“We include Utah’s loan repayment programs in all of our medical staff agreements,” Morris said. “Staff retention means the medical center can save money in the long run, putting resources back into our technology and equipment upgrades.”
As part of UBMC’s benefits packages, all 3 new physicians plan to apply for the Rural Physician Loan Repayment Program through the DHHS Office of Primary Care and Rural Health. To learn more about loan repayment incentives, visit https://ruralhealth.utah.gov/loan-repayment-opportunities/.