By Craig Fowler, Senior Vice President Recruiting, Pinnacle Health Group
Physician turnover and the growing physician shortage are reaching epidemic levels. During a physician’s first three years of employment, the risk of voluntary turnover is at its highest. In fact, up to 25 percent of physicians will resign during these early years.
We also know from a 2016 report released by the Association of American Medical Colleges and prepared by IHS, Inc. that the physician deficit is expected to be between 61,700 and 94,700 physicians by 2025. Add to this the issue of an aging physician population, and we have a profession that is struggling.
The consequences to patient care are widely reported, but one that receives less public attention is the loss of experienced mentors to coach newly degreed physicians. While millenials appear to adopt technology, data collection and other efficiency tools more easily than their predecessors, what they lack is the clinical knowledge that can only be achieved through years of practice and strong mentoring relationships.
The reasons to hire right in the first place, and then focus on strong physician retention programs are obvious. But until we understand what’s really driving turnover, and do our best to address it, the resignation letters will keep coming.
Five reasons physicians quit.
Never burn your bridges, right? We’ve all been given that advice at one point in our careers. And, while it was meant to suggest that we maintain professionalism throughout any situation, it left many feeling like we couldn’t speak up about less than desirable working conditions. Disagree? Just think about the vague physician resignation letters you’ve seen during your tenure.
You can’t fix what you don’t know is broken, so let’s look at the most common reasons physicians really resign.
- Lack of physician autonomy
The number one reason behind most physician resignations is lack of autonomy. Being able to care for patients the best way they know how is directly linked to job satisfaction and career fulfillment. There has been a shift from being a physician to a provider, which some feel has downgraded the entire field of medicine. In addition, physicians feel that the rising demands and regulations placed on them from insurance companies, lawyers, government and even their own administration has forced them to shift priority from patient care to electronic documentation.
Physicians are reporting that they love medicine, but they just can’t absorb the constant pressures of improving every metric while still providing excellent care. They’re simply burning out.
- Workload and call coverage
Work and life balance remains a challenge due to increased workloads and call coverage requirements. Physicians with young families are increasingly prioritizing their personal life and leaving their current positions in favor of roles closer to extended family and with reduced call coverage, even at the expense of higher salaries.
- Toxic culture and poor leadership
Physicians rarely quit jobs. They quit leaders and how decisions are made within the healthcare organization. A healthy culture has open communication channels where physicians collaborate and leadership listens. Another hallmark of a great culture is one where decisions are made by consensus, not majority rules.
- Desire to advance in career
Newer physicians are more likely to leave their current employer when there is strong potential for advancement than a seasoned physician nearing retirement.
- Compensation
Salary is purposely at the end of the list, as it’s the least cited reason behind a resignation. (However, interestingly, it’s often the first question a physician asks during the interview process.) Throwing money at a physician who doesn’t feel valued, is experiencing burnout, is struggling to adapt to the culture or is hungry for a new opportunity isn’t likely to be successful. But offering a competitive compensation plan is important. The best physicians command top pay.
Physicians provide compassionate care—Healthcare organizations need to provide an empathic culture.
The healthcare landscape will continue to change at a feverish pace and provides no easy solutions to the reasons behind physician resignations. But fostering a culture rooted in empathy is an achievable goal that offers hope.
It’s basic human nature to desire to be seen and heard. Physicians are no different. Everyone is hardwired from a very young age to please those we trust to care for us, and it’s natural to crave praise, rewards, respect and increasing independence for a job well done. What motivates each of us varies widely, but at our core, we all need some form of validation.
With all the challenges inherent in being a physician today, simply listening to your medical staff, taking the time to feel and address their concerns, as well as offering professional support could go a long way in retaining your doctors.
Pinnacle Health Group offers permanent physician search, Locum Tenens and advanced practice providers. Call 800-492-7771 or visit phg.com to learn more.