Part One: What to Look for in a Hospital (or Clinic) Partner
by Marian Furlong, President and CEO, Hudson Hospital, Hudson, WI and Steve Muellerleile, Administrator, Hudson Physicians, Hudson WI
During the interview process, it is important to understand each organization’s operational and cultural dynamics to determine if the fit is right for you. It’s best to be prepared with questions for the interviewer regarding call coverage schedule, profit-sharing opportunities, medical staff by-laws, clinical expectations, and other issues that are important to your values.
The following are some questions that may help uncover the deeper aspects of the hospital-physician relationship that exist within the organization.
- Ask about the organization’s decision-making process. How are administrative and clinical decisions that affect the physician group made? How are capital purchases prioritized? What is the protocol for following up on ideas and concerns expressed by physicians?
- Ask probing questions related to operational efficiencies (in the lab, radiology, etc.) to ensure that your time will be respected and that you’ll be able to function efficiently.
- Request information about the hospital’s quality outcomes and ask to see reports of specific conditions that are of interest to you.
- What kind of administrative, operational and marketing support is provided in setting up your practice? Seventy-four percent of physicians surveyed in a recent Health Care Advisory Board study indicated a need for assistance in business/management performance for their clinic.
- One of the primary reasons physicians leave a practice is due to unrealized expectations set during the recruitment phase. Listen carefully to be sure that the promises made are realistic. Ask questions to challenge promises if they seem unrealistic to you.
- Ask to see recent patient satisfaction scores to determine patient perception of your prospective employer. Along the same lines, ask them to share their most recent awareness and preference consumer study. You want to be sure that they maintain a high level of community visibility and have a strong brand in the marketplace.
- Ask for examples of how they recognize "star" physicians. If they are able to articulate clear examples, you will know that they have a clear sense of their clinical needs and expectations of the new physician. This will help you to determine if what they expect matches your professional goals and aspirations.
Part Two will offer insights from the other side of the interview table. In the next issue these two administrators will share thoughts on what hospital and clinic leaders look for in a candidate-–beyond what you might expect.