Efficient teamwork is the backbone of any thriving institution or business.

As a doctor running a private practice, one of the most crucial decisions you'll make is selecting your core staff who will work alongside you. Building a team that can provide exceptional patient care, operate efficiently, and contribute to the practice's long-term success requires careful consideration and planning.

Keep reading to discover practical tips to help you identify qualified candidates and build a successful team to take your private practice to new heights.

What's a Core Staff Member?

Like any other business, private practices heavily depend on their core staff to thrive and provide quality patient services. The core staff is the beating heart of the practice, driving it forward and ensuring that every patient receives the care they deserve.

Before you hire someone for this position, it's essential to understand what a core staff member does and how their role will affect your practice.

A core staff member is someone who:

• Works directly with patients
• Is well-versed in all areas of practice
• Has excellent communication skills

When building a successful private practice, finding the right employee far outweighs the cost of replacing a bad or desperate hire. A strong and efficient core staff guarantees that your patients receive top-notch care and boosts productivity, revenue, and patient satisfaction.

So, before you hire new staff for your core team, here are a few things to consider.

What Are the Available Roles, and Who's Eligible?

You may need to hire a core staff for your practice for many reasons. Perhaps you're expanding your business and need additional support to manage the workload. Or maybe you're looking to alleviate some burden off your shoulders by delegating tasks to qualified professionals.

While you may be tempted to hire familiar faces or people you know, making impulsive hiring decisions without a strategic assessment of your staffing needs can lead to a cumbersome and inefficient business.

Begin by identifying the specific roles that need to be filled, and then compile a list of desired credentials and skills that you are seeking for each position. Take your time deciding on which skill sets are essential for each role.

For example, if you have the role of a receptionist, scheduling coordinator, or practice manager vacant in your private practice, note down the required key skills and credentials for each of those roles.

Once you've done so, you'll likely find it easier to identify a qualified candidate based on criteria that fit your practice's needs.

How Do I Find Them?

Finding the right staff members for your practice is akin to assembling a complex puzzle. It requires careful examination and selection of each piece to ensure a perfect fit.

The best place to start is within your own network. Tap into your network of professional contacts to identify potential candidates who could be the right fit. 

If you're starting out, reaching out to individuals you've previously worked with can be an effective strategy for identifying potential team members. These may include former colleagues, supervisors, or other healthcare professionals with whom you've collaborated in the past.

In addition to your personal network, consider contacting your alma mater or local universities to explore opportunities. Many institutions house student clinics or other programs that serve as repositories for aspiring healthcare professionals, offering a wealth of talent and potential.

By connecting with these programs, you may be able to identify talented and motivated individuals who are eager to join your practice.

How Do I Know They're Right For Me?

Leadership styles are unique to each individual, and what works well in one setting may not necessarily work in another.

So, how do you go about choosing who's going to help you run your private practice?

Here are some key questions to ask yourself when selecting a team member for your private practice:

1. How will your new team member fit into your existing structure?

Consider your team's current structure and dynamics and how the new team member will fit in. Consider how their leadership style may complement or clash with your own and how their skills and experience can enhance your practice. Consider the type of practice you have, your client's needs, and the role you want them to fulfill.

2. What qualities or skill sets are you looking for?

Identify the essential qualities and skill sets that your new team member must possess. For example, do they need strong communication skills, excellent time management abilities, or a deep understanding of the industry?

Consider the responsibilities and tasks they must undertake and the attributes and qualifications that will enable them to excel in these areas.

Additionally, consider any gaps in your current team and look for someone who can fill those gaps. 

3. How much experience do they need to have?

To find the right fit for your team, assess your practice's intricacies and the responsibilities the new team member will shoulder. This will help you determine the expertise you should seek in a candidate.

While experience is valuable, it's worth noting that individuals with less experience yet displaying strong potential can also bring significant value to your team.

Build a High-Performing Core Staff

Achieving success in private practice is impossible without a highly efficient team. Constructing such a team necessitates meticulous planning, strategic decision-making, and a steadfast dedication to attracting and retaining exceptional talent.

Glenwood Systems specializes in helping businesses like yours optimize their workflows and automate core responsibilities. Our expertise can help you achieve a seamless and efficient operation, ensuring that your core staff can focus on delivering their best performance.