A recent report released by AAPPR, Jackson Physician Search, and LocumTenens.com titled “The Heart Behind the Hire” surveyed nearly 200 in-house physician recruiters to understand how purpose drives their work and what barriers they face. Despite 87 percent of respondents expressing a strong sense of calling toward their profession, many noted they are limited by a lack of leadership involvement, vague organizational culture, and insufficient communication. Carey Goryl, CEO of AAPPR, said recruiters are more than administrative workers. They are vital advocates for patient access and cultural alignment within healthcare organizations and deserve a meaningful role in shaping hiring decisions.
Health Technology Insights: NRC Health Adds South Shore Health to Improve Experience
Recruiters in the study identified three essential improvements that would help them succeed. Sixty-four percent pointed to the need for greater support from leadership. Another 42 percent emphasized the value of better insight into the organization’s culture and staffing needs, and 41 percent said transparent communication with internal teams would improve outcomes. These changes could help recruiters more effectively attract and retain clinicians while reinforcing a shared purpose between administration and recruitment teams.
Health Technology Insights: MEDITECH: Wooster Hospital Cuts Nurse Documentation Time
The research also reframes the recruiter’s role as being more strategic than transactional. Tara Osseck, Regional Vice President at Jackson Physician Search, explained that while tracking activity is important, the deeper value lies in sharing insights. Information about why candidates decline offers or where the hiring process breaks down can help connect recruitment strategy with broader business objectives. These insights increase organizational trust and help recruiters build credibility at the executive level.
Caroline Grounds, Account Director at LocumTenens.com, added that the mindset of both leadership and recruiters needs to evolve. She said that the most successful recruiters are those who act as strategic contributors rather than simply matching candidates to open roles. They anticipate future staffing needs, develop ongoing talent pipelines, and present creative hiring solutions. These efforts are most effective when supported by leadership that values and integrates the recruiter’s input in long-term workforce planning.
Despite the hurdles, the report found that in-house recruiters remain deeply committed to their work. Ninety-six percent would recommend recruiting as a career, and 79 percent said they feel passionate about their role. Grounds emphasized that each successful placement not only fills a staffing gap but also improves access to care and stability within communities. She believes that strong alignment between recruiters and leadership is key to delivering lasting improvements in healthcare access.
Health Technology Insights: Health Technology Insights: Latest News And Innovations – Roundup 11 September 2025
To participate in our interviews, please write to our HealthTech Media Room at sudipto@intentamplify.com
