Creating a successful healthcare practice goes beyond medical expertise; the real magic happens when you assemble a dedicated, cohesive team that is committed to providing quality patient care. A well-structured team can transform your practice – but just as quickly, poor staffing can drag down an otherwise capable business.
Studies show that practices with strong team dynamics report higher patient satisfaction scores and better health outcomes. And it’s not just customer service. Clinical skills like problem-solving, psychomotor work, and error minimization can all be positively impacted by effective teamwork.
Whether you’re starting a new practice or looking to optimize an existing one, here’s what you need to know about hiring for your healthcare business.
Finding the Right Fit
Building a great team starts by defining essential roles within your practice – everything from receptionists, to medical assistants, to specialized practitioners like nutritionists or DOs.
Each position, even those that are administrative or operational, should be filled with intentionality and practice goals in mind.
You may also consider what kind of training or certifications would be valuable additions to your team, such as Personalized Medicine Certification (PMC), certification from the Institute of Functional Medicine (IFM) or cross-training experience in multidisciplinary care settings.
Employment Type and Outsourcing Opportunities
Not only do business owners need to identify what roles the team requires – you also need to decide whether positions should be full-time, part-time, or outsourced to a third party. This can be challenging for many business owners – overstaffing can quickly drain resources, but understaffing leaves gaps in care and puts extra pressure on team members.
You may begin making these decisions by evaluating the workload and frequency of tasks associated with a position. Roles that require constant attention, such as patient coordinators or medical assistants, typically benefit from a full-time arrangement to ensure continuity and reliability. Positions with more variable demands, like a business support role, might be better suited for part-time schedules. And outsourcing more infrequent functions, like HR compliance or marketing services, can give you access to specialized expertise at a fraction of the cost of a full-time employee.
Team Management
A thoughtfully designed onboarding program can help set the right tone for new hires. Here are a few ways you can prepare new team members for success:
- Provide an orientation that introduces your practice’s values, policies, and procedures, as well as their specific job duties
- Assign mentors to guide new employees through their initial weeks and help them acclimate to your practice and their role
- Make sure they’re informed on the latest healthcare regulations and best practices – these are constantly evolving, so even experienced hires can use a refresher
- Demonstrate a culture of open communication and feedback, encouraging them to ask questions and participate in group discussions
- Consider implementing a ‘buddy system’ where new hires shadow experienced staff members to improve their skills
Continuing Education for Healthcare Professionals
The work doesn’t end after you hire and train a great employee. In fact, most opportunities for team development come from the ongoing support a workplace provides. Encourage staff to join workshops, attend industry events, take classes, and otherwise take advantage of all the continuing education opportunities available to us in the healthcare industry.
The benefits of investing in your team’s growth are twofold. First, taking a proactive approach to team education reduces the likelihood of errors, keeps technical skills sharp, and improves patient outcomes. In an industry where reputation is so important, any chance you have to ensure patients have a great experience is well worth the effort.
Additionally, when you invest in continuing education you’re more likely to have an engaged workforce, where each team member feels committed and connected to your business. With opportunities to grow, their mindset shifts from ‘job’ to ‘career’, and many practices enjoy improved retention rates, low turnover, and higher job satisfaction.
Enhancing the Work Environment
When you count the hours, many of us spend more time with our colleagues than our own families – so why not make it enjoyable? There are many ways the owner of a healthcare business can foster an environment that is comfortable, collaborative, professional, and encourages talented team members to stay.
Communication – ‘Lack of communication’ is often noted as one of the top reasons people leave jobs, so open communication is a great value to prioritize. Interdisciplinary meetings, feedback sessions, and team-building activities can strengthen relationships and promote a collaborative culture. Create an environment where employees feel comfortable sharing ideas and concerns, whether it’s about patient care protocols or operational improvements.
Recognition – Acknowledging a person’s contributions to the team can go a long way in making them feel valued and encouraging their continued effort. You may explore meaningful incentives like professional development opportunities, bonuses, or additional paid time off.
Work/Life Balance – Burnout is a major issue in the healthcare industry due to high patient loads and emotionally taxing work. Support your healthcare employees’ well-being by promoting work-life balance. You can help mitigate stress by providing adequate staffing to prevent overwork, offering counseling/support services to your team, and encouraging the use of vacation time and breaks during shifts.
