By Miranda Grace, FASPR, Professional Staff Recruiter, Geisinger Health System, Lewistown, PA
The recruitment
professional’s oath:
Most of us are
familiar with the
Hippocratic Oath,
the pledge that many
physicians make
upon completing
medical school. It serves as a rite of passage for
numerous new physicians and remains a longstanding
tradition in both the United States and
abroad. While there have been several changes
to the original oath language, these principles
remain: Treat the sick to the best of one’s ability,
preserve patient privacy, and prevent disease
whenever possible.
So, what’s the point of the oath and why do
we continue to ask our physicians to swear to
uphold these standards? We expect them to
hold themselves, and others, accountable for
their actions. As drivers of healthcare, we want
our physicians to ensure the delivery of quality
patient care as well as maintain mutual dignity
and respect with their patients. They make this
vow as a promise. It’s a promise to their patients,
employers, insurance companies and anyone
else affected by their work. As recruitment
professionals, we hold them to that promise.
In 1995, Sir Joseph Rotblat, a Polish physicist,
won the Nobel Peace Prize for his work toward
nuclear disarmament. In his acceptance speech,
Rotblat proposed the creation of a Hippocratic
Oath for Scientists. What a novel idea! I now
propose a Hippocratic Oath for Physician
Recruitment Professionals.
Here’s my vow:
I swear to fulfill, to the best of my ability, the
various roles and responsibilities placed upon
me as a physician recruitment professional. As
such, I will apply the knowledge gained through
various work and educational experiences to the
recruitment of the best and brightest physician
candidates, both domestic and international.
I promise to uphold the mission, vision and
values of my employer as well as those held by
my professional organization (ASPR), which
include: Integrity, professionalism, collegiality
and innovative thinking.
I will make every effort to not simply fill a
position, but intentionally and with great care,
place a provider where he/she is the best fit and
where patients will live better, healthier lives
because of them.
I will strive to prevent negligence in the
recruitment process, whether on my part or
vendors I work with, and thwart physician
turnover, whenever possible.
Above all, I vow to make patients my first
priority, without whom, I would not be
resolved.
I trust that you’ve made these same promises,
if not publically, at least for yourself. I will
continue to live and work by the promises I’ve
made, just as I expect the physicians I recruit
to do the same. Luckily, we have the support
of ASPR to help us along the way. Use the
resources available to you and with a little
determination, you’re bound to succeed.
As always, thank you for your continued
support of ASPR and JASPR!
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