By Matt Kuhrt
Medical hiring trends in 2015 showed an increase both in the number of medical graduates finding employment and in the fierce competition for top talent, according to an analysis by The Medicus Firm.
The physician shortage appears to have driven an increase in the placement of graduates from American medical schools, a trend FiercePracticeManagement recently noted. That this has taken place despite an overall increase in medical student enrollment further emphasizes market demand.
An overall increase in the amount paid out in signing bonuses punctuates the idea that, despite the increased supply, recruiters and employers still have their work cut out for them, Medicus noted in the report announcement. "Competition continues to intensify in searches for any and all types of physicians, regardless of specialty, location, or amenities," according to Jim Stone, president of The Medicus Firm.
At the same time, however, the areas most prone to physician shortages have produced fewer placements, with an increased number of new doctors headed for metropolitan and urban markets outstripping the numbers in areas with small or medium-sized populations. "Primary care and rural areas continue to experience the toughest competition," said Stone in the report announcement, adding, "hospitals and hiring entities must utilize all resources and be prepared for an intense battle for top talent."
Looking further into the reported trends, a whopping 92 percent of physicians receiving placements in 2015 were hired as employees, underscoring a marked decline in the number of private practices seeking physicians. Industry trends have also favored hiring primary care physicians, which showed a strong 35.57 percent of total placements.
The analysis also noted increases in specialty placements for doctors of osteopathic medicine, hospitalists and obstetricians/gynecologists, as well as physician assistants, who were reportedly particularly in demand among primary care providers.
To learn more:
- read the report announcement