University of Wisconsin

Madison, WI

Submitted by:

Kim Beld

Administrator

Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation

University of Wisconsin

Madison, WI

Established in 1987, Merritt Hawkins is both the largest permanent placement physician search firm in the United States and the

leader in academic physician recruiting. Our Department of Academics has developed industry leading expertise and resources in

academic physician recruiting, allowing us to partner effectively with academic medical centers nationwide.

“The University of Wisconsin Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation needed to find multiple physicians in both its

divisions of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation. The Division of Orthopedics required a leader in pediatric orthopedics; a physician

who could assume our Division Chief position. Additionally, the Division required a junior faculty non-operative pediatric

orthopedist. The Division of Rehabilitation required a leader who could assume the role of Inpatient Medical Director of our

current Inpatient Rehabilitation Unit and lead us in the transition to a free-standing Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital.

Additionally, we required physiatrists specializing in pain and in pediatric rehabilitation.”

“The Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation was facing multiple challenges in recruitment of the aforementioned

physicians. The Department was spending substantial dollars on journal and online advertisements for our open positions with

zero return. Additionally, the Department was sending letters to residency and fellowship directors informing them of our

positions. The Department was investing a lot of resources into recruiting with zero return. Finally, we had a strong need to hire

quality leaders for two important leadership roles and knew we did not have the internal resources to source strong candidates.

Our pediatric orthopedic program was at risk of dissolution if we did not find a strong leader. Similarly, our ability to maintain

leadership of the Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospital was at risk without our ability to place a strong leader in that role.”

“Merritt Hawkins performed an onsite assessment of our culture, physical facilities and our needs. Their staff interviewed

multiple stakeholders and toured our facilities. Their assessment was extremely valuable to both parties. Following the

assessment, our Merritt Hawkins team started working on sourcing appropriate candidates. They have put forward excellent

candidates and assisted throughout the process of recruitment. They have worked with us in a team-oriented manner, are very

accessible and approachable and work hard to source excellent candidates.”

“Key strengths Merritt Hawkins exhibiting in partnering with us include: working with the client in a team-oriented manner and

approach, strong understanding of academic medical centers/recruitment for academic positions and very responsive to clients’

needs and requests”

“This is our Department’s first experience with a physician search firm. Our Department chose Merritt Hawkins due to their

experience in recruiting for academic medical centers.”

“In review, there is nothing I would change about the way the search was conducted for our positions. And yes, I would

recommend Merritt Hawkins to others, especially academic medical centers.”