Cast a wide net when searching for a new associate

Q: We're looking to add a new physician associate to our practice, but it's been quite some time since we've hired a doctor. Please provide some tips.

Notify your local hospital that you're looking; someone there may be able to help. For example, they may know about headhunters who could work on your behalf. Be sure to consult with your word-of-mouth network, which should include all of the program heads in your field as well as colleagues in the local community who might know of someone who would be a good fit for your practice. Also, inform medical society executives at the state and county levels that you're in the market for a new physician.

Answers to our readers' questions were provided by Judy Bee, Practice Performance Group, La Jolla, California. She is also an editorial consultant to Medical Economics.