Finding the right doctor is important. But, finding the right hospital is just as important… for doctors. Ashley Moritz, Physician Recruitment Manager at Riverside Healthcare, has spent nearly 13 years helping bring physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants to the Riverside Medical Group. She shares what draws them here and what keeps them.
More Than Just a Resume: The Value of Truly Good People
When evaluating a candidate, Moritz says the most important questions have nothing to do with credentials. “Would this person be a good cultural fit for Riverside and for our community? And, is this someone I would want to take care of me or my family members?”
References are checked thoroughly. Feedback from everyone involved in the interview process is taken seriously. Credentialing is rigorous. “We look at a lot more than what's on paper,” Moritz notes. “We just want to hire good people that want to do good in our community.”
What Physicians Notice First
When a physician comes in for a site visit, the reaction is often immediate. “I cannot tell you how many times they are overly impressed with our facilities and our beautiful campus,” shares Moritz. Yet, these sentiments go beyond the confines of the building itself.
Candidates consistently comment on how kind and welcoming the staff is. They notice how long people have stayed, a sign that something is working. And, they are drawn to the state-of-the-art equipment, the extensive operating room (OR), and the range of services available.
The fact that Riverside is an independent, community-based hospital also stands out. “We're not owned by any larger entity,” Moritz clarifies. “I think that's a huge draw. Physicians want to make an impact. Here, they feel they can do that.”
What Keeps Physicians in the Riverside Ecosystem?
At Riverside, retention matters just as much as recruitment. Moritz points to three things that keep physicians within the ecosystem.
First, the patients. “We have a community full of some of the most kind and appreciative patients,” she emphasizes. “Physicians are so grateful for the bond they build with not only their patients, but their family members too.”
Second, the team. “Our professionals work so many hours. It really matters who they work with. I truly think we have some amazing teams and leaders that make them want to stay,” adds Moritz.
Third, autonomy.Physicians at Riverside have a real say in how their practice runs: what services they offer, what procedures they bring in, what programs they want to build. “Our leadership team works closely with physicians and gives them a voice,” Moritz assures. “The organization recognizes that physicians are the lifeblood of our hospital.”
A Process Worth the Wait
Physician recruitment takes time… sometimes a year or more from first contact to first day on the job. Moritz's team recruited 30 providers in the past year alone, and she has already set a goal of 31 for 2026.
“When a physician I've been working with for a really long time finally walks through the doors for orientation, it's so exciting and gratifying,” she shares. “It just feels like a long time coming. But, it's one of the most rewarding parts of my job.”
To learn more about career opportunities at Riverside, please visit riversidehealthcare.org/careers.