In 2025, the word we’re hearing more than ever in healthcare recruitment is urgency. With a growing provider shortage, evolving care delivery models, and rising burnout, leaders are under intense pressure to fill roles-and fast.
But here’s the truth: not all searches should be fast.
Speed in healthcare hiring has its place, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. For hard-to-fill or mission-critical roles-especially physicians in specialized or rural settings-the smartest move is often a deliberate, strategic search that prioritizes fit over speed.
So how do you know when to push for speed-and when to slow down?
When Speed Is a Strategic Advantage
We’re seeing speed make a powerful difference in a few key areas:
– Allied health and support roles that affect day-to-day operations
– Advanced Practice Provider (APP) searches where demand is high but candidates are actively looking
– Urgent public health needs, like pandemic response or crisis coverage
In these cases, having processes, approvals, and a partner ready to move can make or break your success. For example, during COVID-19 testing surges in Texas, we helped deploy 67 licensed clinicians in just six days-not because we rushed, but because systems were already aligned and relationships were in place.
In another case, a growing medical group needed to scale quickly. By staying agile and aligned, they successfully added 47 new providers in a single year, nearly doubling their team.
When a Thoughtful Approach Matters More
Physician searches-especially in rural areas or highly specialized fields-require a different mindset. These searches take time because:
– The candidate pool is smaller and more competitive
– Candidates are often passive-not actively looking
– Cultural fit and long-term retention are critical
In one example, a client needed to rebuild their physician team in a rural community. The search took several months-but the investment paid off with a placement who not only stayed but became a leader in the organization.
It’s not about speed. It’s about sustainability.
That said, when a strong candidate is in front of you, timing becomes everything. The competition for physicians is fierce, and decision delays-especially in the final stages-can result in missed opportunities. Even in longer searches, the organizations that act decisively when the right fit emerges are the ones filling roles more successfully.
What Makes the Difference?
Organizations that are thriving in both fast and deliberate searches tend to share a few key traits:
– Internal alignment on goals, compensation, and expectations
– Flexible search strategies-being open to APPs, locums-to-perm paths, or leadership development
– Clear communication with recruitment partners and candidates
They understand that speed is not a substitute for strategy-but when combined, the two can lead to powerful outcomes.
Final Thought
In today’s market, it’s tempting to treat recruitment like a race. But the most effective healthcare organizations understand this: recruitment isn’t about rushing-it’s about readiness.
Move fast when you can. Slow down when you should. And always stay aligned with the kind of hire that truly meets your needs.
