Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/163833
APPEALING TO FAMILIES and Significant Others THE NEEDS OF A PHYSICIAN'S SPOUSE OR SIGNIFICANT OTHER, AS WELL ANY CHILDREN IN THE RELATIONSHIP, PLAY A CRUCIAL ROLE IN THE DECISION TO ACCEPT A NEW PRACTICE OPPORTUNITY OR LOOK ELSEWHERE. TO ACHIEVE THE BEST out- comes, health centers must establish a relationship with the clinician's significant other early in the recruitment process, according to the Recruitment and Retention Best Practices Model from the National Association of Community Health Centers, Inc., which studied practices in Arizona, Illinois, Mississippi and Virginia. Understanding and marketing to a spouse's priorities will add to both the physician's and the spouse's comfort level with the practice opportunity. Personalize Recruitment Efforts A recruiter should learn and address as many family members' priorities as possible. Perhaps a spouse enjoys hiking or windsailing, or regularly traveling to visit relatives. Maybe a son or daughter plays lacrosse or wants to attend a high school that offers preparation for a pre-law track in college. Such personalized recruitment will show the clinician that the health center cares about his or her happiness and lifestyle outside of work as well as within the practice. Long-Term Benefits An expanding patient base and the growth of specialization have increased the demand for qualified physicians, so health centers must be willing to provide competitive compensation — in terms of both salary and quality of life. As recent physician satisfaction surveys illustrate, lifestyle and work balance perception heavily factor into not only recruitment but also retention of medical professionals. I When considering the pros and cons of making an OB/GYN referral, consider our newest pro. Dr. Alice Shin, board-certified OB/GYN. She's the latest addition to the medical staff here at Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital – Milton. And she brings with her deep experience in obstetrical /gynecological care including GYN surgical expertise using laparoscopic and robotic technologies along with clinical experience in a myriad of women's health conditions. We welcome Dr. Shin, and she welcomes the opportunity to apply her clinical expertise to helping your patients. Medical degree: Tulane University Medical School, Louisiana Residency: Washington University, Barnes Jewish Hospital, St. Louis Instructor: Harvard Medical School, Obstetrics/Gynecology 100 Highland Street, Suite 205, Milton, MA 617-754-0500 MDNEWS.COM I MD NEWS Greater Boston | 21