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R eleased in late 2014, the ninth annual Physician Retention Survey reported a 6.8 percent turnover rate in 2013. That matches the 2012 rate — the highest reported since data were first collected in 2005. Physician turnover in 2012 and 2013 was even greater than in 2009, in the depths of the economic downturn, suggesting a sluggish economy and unstable job market aren't necessarily the only issues at play. One significant factor driving physician turnover is retirement. According to Cejka Search, 18 percent of respondents listed retire- ment as the reason for employment separation in 2013. That is the highest percentage ever reported. Donald W. Fisher, PhD, CAE, President and CEO of the AMGA, says an accelerating retirement rate will force organizations to develop creative staffing solutions. "We are seeing groups employ care teams that include advanced practice clinicians and others to make sure access is not affected by a retiring physician," Fisher says. "Another challenge is having a robust pipeline of physician leaders, which requires foresight, training and sound succession management." As hospitals and physician groups seek to balance retirement losses, a key question will be whether they can make their orga- nizations more appealing to young physicians entering the job market. The survey found lack of cultural fit was the leading reason for voluntary separation, particularly during the first three years of employment. Other reasons included a desire for greater compensation or a better call schedule, as well as concerns about limited professional opportunities. "Organizations that have a defined culture and a well-developed onboarding process for physicians and their families will have a competitive edge," Fisher says. "Most organizations include other perks, such as moving expenses, education stipends or loan repay- ment, and flexible hours, for making the practice more attractive and the transition smoother." ■ Physician Turnover P H Y S I C I A N R E C R U I T M E N T A SURVEY BY CEJKA SEARCH AND THE AMERICAN MEDICAL GROUP ASSOCIATION (AMGA) SHOWS PHYSICIAN TURNOVER RATES REMAIN HIGH COMPARED WITH THOSE OF RECENT YEARS. Preserve Your Independence. Protect Your Success. Has managing your practice grown more complicated and frustrating? Perhaps you're considering hospital employment, but concerned it may cost the independence you love and the success you've earned. There is an alternative. As a recognized leader in practice manage- ment, population health management and clinical integration, Continuum enables providers to achieve outstanding operational, clinical and financial results, and delivers new revenue opportunities for independent physician groups. Learn more by downloading our Healthy Revenue Checklist or Clinical Integration Whitepaper at page.challc.net/independence. 4 02 Lippincot t Drive | Marlton, NJ 0 8 053 | P: 856.782.33 0 0 x 2419 | w w w.challc.net C o n t i n u u m H e a l t h A l l i a n c e | A P h y s i c i a n E n a b l e m e n t C o m p a n y By Colin Stayton Assessing and Addressing