Top 10 ‘Turn Offs’

What Your Practice Says About You  to GPs

After our candidates have interviewed at a practice, they often give us feedback with factors that may make or break their decision to work at a clinic. Below are the top ten “turn offs” we have heard from doctors after their practice visit or a phone interview:

1. Lack of team spirit 

   Increasingly, GPs are interested in working in clinics where there is a strong clinical team. UK GPs for example, are used to being able to consult with colleagues, have clinical meetings and work collaboratively with other GPs and clinical staff. Australian graduates are also keen to be part of a supportive environment.

2. No personalised advertising

   For doctors trying to build a patient base, this is essential. GPs like to know that the practice is proactively promoting their doctors and aiding to have their presence known. A simple, yet effective example of this is a mention on the clinic’s website to let their patient base know that a new doctor has joined the team, and could include the doctor’s past experience and/or special interests.

3. Poor website presence 

   Ensure you have an online presence and that patients are able to find you online.
   

4. High proportion of non VR GPs 

   A key point of difference for Alecto Australia is that we only work with the best doctors and that means we only consider candidates with Vocational Registration. While our GPs are often happy to assist non VR staff with training needs, they look for GP teams with like-minded doctors who have completed their GP training. It allows them to work effectively as a team.

5. Limited nursing support

   Having registered nurses on site help doctors to feel supported. A lot of doctors we match with practices mention that a job offer is more attractive, especially in smaller clinics.

6. Uncomfortable consulting rooms

   Reasons that could contribute to GP discomfort:

   1. Company policy banning the personalisation of the space
   2. Having to share consulting rooms with another GP
   3. Excessive furniture

7. Lack of formal interview style 

   Without a formal interview process in place, GPs may be confused about the recruitment process. We recently had a GP who visited a practice and was bombarded with questions about when she could start and which room she would like to use before she had a conversation about the job. Make sure that the person who meets with a doctor is familiar with recruitment processes.

8. Lack of good treatment rooms 

   GPs, particularly in bulk billing practices, like to know that if they specialise in a specific area or want to supplement their income with minor ops, cosmetic work etc, have a designated area to perform these procedures.

9. Rejection from GP colleagues –  GPs often complain that they visited a practice but didn’t get to meet any other GPs. 

   If they are, that GP is too rushed to speak or has little interest in a new GP commencing at the clinic. Doctors are often nervous that they will be seen to be taking away patients from others, so they like to feel welcome.

10. Reception staff 

    Your reception staff are the first point of contact for visitors entering your practice and an important contact point for GPs. They are keen to know that receptionists will follow up on the GP’s personal preferences and manage patients effectively.