MDNews - National

1 IN 6 AMERICANS NOW STRUGGLES WITH HUNGER. TOGETHER WE'RE Hunger is closer than you think. Reach out to your local food bank for ways to do your part. Visit FeedingAmerica.org today. HUNGER READS THE MORNING PAPER , TOO. By Colin Stayton R ECRUITING FIRM MEDSOURCE CONSULTANTS offers strate- gies to help draw physicians to rural facilities. Rural health- care initiatives are one valuable aid, Medsource Consultants states on its website. Programs such as Area Health Education Centers, Federally Qualified Health Centers, National Health Service Corps and the State Loan Repayment Program work with academic institu- tions to coordinate clinical training opportunities for students. They can also provide scholarships and loan repayment for primary care providers who choose to practice in underserved areas. Your hospital may want to consider developing its own incentive program as well. While your budget may limit financial incentives, you can make positions more appealing by providing opportunities for physicians to assume more administra- tive duties and earn additional job titles. These career-oriented incentives open the door for up-and-coming physicians to enjoy faster professional growth and more respect. Don't undervalue the impact of incen- tives beyond the workplace, either, Medsource Consultants advises. In your recruiting efforts, highlight the benefits of your local area, such as the low cost of liv- ing, a safe and family-oriented community environment, opportunities for outdoor activities, and, if applicable, proximity to larger metropolitan areas. ■ Country Living IT'S NO SECRET THAT HOSPITALS IN SOME RURAL SETTINGS STRUGGLE TO ATTRACT AND RETAIN PHYSICIANS. YOUNGER PHYSICIANS, ESPECIALLY, MAY BE PUT OFF BY THE ISOLATION, SOMETIMES-CUMBERSOME PATIENT VOLUMES AND LACK OF EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES. — and Recruiting 2 6 | MD NEWS ■ M D N E W S . CO M

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