Home Events - North Dakota Hospital Association Overcoming Rural Recruitment Bias: Strategies to Attract and Retain Physicians

Overcoming Rural Recruitment Bias: Strategies to Attract and Retain Physicians

 

Date:  5/26/26

11:00 a.m. – Noon  Central time

 

Audience:

Anyone interested.

Presented by:

Tim Sheley and Tara Osseck, Jackson Physician Search

HSI Strategic Partner

Overview:

While urban areas often enjoy a steady influx of healthcare providers, rural communities continue to struggle with significant challenges in accessing quality care. Nearly one in five Americans living in rural areas face limited healthcare access, contributing to worsening health outcomes and a lower quality of life. This issue is further worsened by an aging physician workforce, with 40% nearing retirement, and a declining number of rural-raised medical professionals entering the field.

Heightening the problem are general biases about rural practice, such as perceptions of professional isolation, limited career growth, and inadequate resources that discourage many physicians from considering these opportunities. However, new research shows a path forward: 90% of physicians would consider relocating to rural areas if the right conditions are in place.

This session will explore how healthcare organizations can reframe the narrative around rural practice by addressing these biases and showcasing the unique advantages these communities offer. We will also share a real-world success story to demonstrate how modern recruitment techniques, targeted incentives, and a focus on cultural fit can successfully attract physicians and ensure long-term retention. By the end of this session, participants will be able to identify strategies for overcoming common biases about rural practice and speak the language of today’s physicians, aligning recruitment efforts with their career priorities to craft compelling and attractive rural opportunities that effectively engage and retain top talent.

Learning Objectives:

– Understand the current state of the rural healthcare market, exploring the growing demand for healthcare services, the physician shortage, and the importance of filling rural positions to improve access to care and quality of life for underserved populations.

– Identify and overcome common biases about rural practice, focusing on how to present the advantages and opportunities in rural healthcare settings, such as professional growth, leadership roles, and meaningful patient relationships.

– Analyze a recent rural recruitment success story to understand key strategies, incentives, and steps that lead to hiring physicians who stay and thrive in rural settings.

 

 

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Date

May 26 2026

Time

11:00 am - 12:00 pm

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