Interview with a Provider Services Recruiter

Interview with Matt, one of KPG’s Provider Services Recruiters

Recruiting in the Healthcare sector is such an important job. Not only are you helping people take a step into a major change in their life, but you’re also working with dozens of people everyday to help them find the perfect career opportunity. Doctors and Physicians from around the country have found their dream opportunity with KPG Healthcare thanks to hard working recruiters like Matt! Learn a bit more about Matt and what sets KPG Healthcare apart below:

How did you become a Provider Services Recruiter?

I actually came into the recruiting world via, you guessed it, a recruiter! I had just moved to Florida and was in the market for a new position and landed a job with a large medical staffing company. It all kept rolling from there!

What do you feel that the pros and cons are with per diem, locum tenens and permanent placement for your physicians?

This could be a long list, but to narrow it down I would say Pros are flexibility, 1099 income, travel, and feeling out new facilities and groups. Not to mention, if you already have a full time job and are picking up locums on the side; some serious extra cash! Cons might be stability in terms of scheduling if you are a full time locums doc. Some locums gigs last a very long time, where others could simply be for maternity leave coverage. You might not know your whole years schedule in advance – which is exactly why locums can be such a great opportunity for these professionals!

What types of things stand out to you when you meet a professional looking for their next opportunity?

Responsiveness. At the end of the day, we work with people. And you can’t ever force someone to get back to you or to get that credentialing paperwork in. There’s a dream job out there for most people looking -but those applications don’t fill out themselves!

How do you determine what hospital or opportunity may be the best fit for somebody? What factors do you think are the most important to consider?

It’s a marriage of fit and facility. For locums you might be able to stretch and fit a square peg in a round hole once in a while, but those placements will eventually fall off or result in bad relationships. Location is probably the biggest factor. Money is a close second. Best is to have a short term plan and a long term plan. You need to be patient and persistent. Often times someone you spoke with months ago will be a perfect fit for a job that hasn’t even opened up yet!

What would you tell somebody that wanted to pick up per diem shifts on top of their current position?

Sure, let’s go. Tell me what you’re looking for – we’ve got you covered!

Tell us about your most rewarding recruiting experience:

My longest full time locums doctor worked with me for almost 3 years as his sole source of income. We had the same birthday and would send each other amazon gifts every year. I once sent him a pack of energy drinks and protein bars while on a long assignment. It went a long way! I also talked a Doc through changing a flat tire on a rental while she was driving to a remote hospital in Maine. After that, it’s safe to say I definitely had her trust!

KPG Healthcare specializes in flexible scheduling and offers malpractice coverage – what other things do you think are important in a placement?

We’re local. That’s pretty huge for doctors and clients. Knowing that we’re familiar with the area goes a long way. We know that 20 miles could mean a 90 minute commute. Also, as a client manager and recruiter, ultimately you’re selling yourself. We are good at what we do and have the best local relationships in the industry. Having a recruiter you trust is important for a doc who’s relying on you to get his bills paid.

What are your favorite things about working for KPG Healthcare?

KPG goes above and beyond for their clients is growing like crazy! It’s a great time to join as a provider, partnership or employee.Oh, and we also have a killer instagram page – what more could you want?!

How do you determine how best to find the perfect job for a candidate?

Tactical trial and error. It’s not throwing things against the wall and hoping they stick. It’s more about providing thought-out options based on what the provider has told you about their wants and needs. It’s okay to stretch the parameter a little too. Sometimes the perfect job is JUST outside the ideal travel radius – keep an open mind!

KPG Healthcare is proud to be your go-to source for healthcare opportunities in the West, specializing in California. Whether you’re interested in travel nursing, per diem, allied, locum tenens or permanent placement, KPG Healthcare is your trusted partner for high quality, rewarding career opportunities. Contact us today!