Episode
Recruiting Physicians in 2026: Doug Lewis on Changing Expectations and Workforce Strategy
- Podcast
- MGMA Podcasts
- Published
- Feb 25, 2026
- Duration seconds
- 1452
- Processing state
not_requested- Canonical source
- https://mgma-podcasts.transistor.fm/754
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Summary
On this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast , Sr. Editor and host Daniel Williams is joined by Doug Lewis , Vice President of Talent Acquisition at Sentara Health and board member of the Association for Advancing Physician and Provider Recruitment (AAPPR) . This episode explores the continually adapting landscape of physician and provider recruitment — from shifting candidate expectations and family‑centered relocation decisions to compensation strategy, locum tenens pressure, and longer hiring timelines. Drawing on Doug’s frontline recruiting experience and national perspective through AAPPR, this conversation delivers practical insights for medical practice leaders navigating workforce shortages, competition for hard‑to‑recruit specialties, and the need for sustainable, long‑term talent strategies in 2026 and beyond. Key Takeaways [04:15] Recruitment decisions are now family decisions — not just physician decisions Successful recruitment hinges on understanding the needs of spouses, partners, and children — including employment opportunities, schools, community culture, commute times, and lifestyle fit. Practices that ignore the family experience risk losing top candidates late in the process. [08:58] Candidate priorities have shifted from compensation-first to lifestyle-first While pay still matters, physicians increasingly prioritize work‑life balance, flexibility, and nontraditional practice models. Leaders must reassess whether their care models align with today’s expectations. [10:58] Flexible work models like job sharing are growing — but complex to execute Job sharing can attract candidates seeking flexibility, but it requires operational readiness, shared patient panels, and leadership buy‑in. Practices must plan carefully to ensure continuity of care and pr…