(#90) How to Hire Surgeons Effectively in 2026 with Jon Schmidt
In this episode of Healthy Careers, host Maddie Traylor sits down with Jon Schmidt, Vice President of Operations at Rothman Orthopaedics, to discuss the future of physician recruitment, orthopedic practice growth, and how healthcare organizations can successfully hire and retain top surgical talent in 2026 and beyond. Drawing from his journey as an occupational therapist turned healthcare executive, Jon shares valuable insights into leadership, physician alignment, operational strategy, and the evolving partnership models shaping modern orthopedic care.Jon breaks down Rothman Orthopaedicsâ expansion into Central Florida through its partnership with AdventHealth and explains how the organization has scaled through fellowship-trained surgeon recruitment, culture-focused hiring, academic excellence, and operational innovation. The conversation also explores the growing importance of physician support models, including dedicated clinical assistants, team-based care, and creating sustainable environments that improve both provider satisfaction and patient outcomes.This episode is essential listening for healthcare executives, orthopedic leaders, physician recruiters, practice administrators, and surgeons looking to better understand the future of private practice partnerships, physician retention, and healthcare operations strategy in a rapidly changing employment market.Key Takeaways:Why culture fit is becoming one of the most important factors in physician recruitmentHow Rothman Orthopaedics approaches fellowship-trained surgeon hiring and retentionThe operational benefits of dedicated clinical assistant models in orthopedic practicesDifferences between PSA models, hospital employment, and private practice structuresStrategies for scaling orthopedic groups while maintaining physician autonomyHow healthcare leaders can improve physician satisfaction, communication, and retentionWhy operational alignment and leadership transparency are critical for growth in 2026The future of physician recruitment, workforce shortages, and orthopedic expansion strategiesEpisode Highlights:00:39 Meet Jon Schmidt01:32 From Occupational Therapist to Healthcare Executive06:57 Why Physicians and Culture Matter in Recruitment10:30 Rothman Orthopaedicsâ Florida Expansion Strategy13:27 Transitioning to a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) Model16:24 Fellowship-Trained Recruiting and Subspecialty Alignment19:27 The Clinical Assistant Model and Operational Efficiency24:31 Strategic Growth Through Partnerships29:58 The âBest of Both Worldsâ Healthcare Model35:00 Leadership, Operations, and Organizational Growth40:58 Building Fairness, Communication, and Strong Workplace Culture43:30 Final Thoughts and Future Hiring Trends44:14 FREE: Salary GuideKeywords:orthopedic surgeon recruitment 2026,physician hiring strategies,healthcare operations leadership,orthopedic private practice growth,professional services agreement healthcare,PSA model in orthopedics,surgeon retention strategies,fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeons,healthcare recruiter podcast,orthopedic practice management,clinical assistant healthcare model,healthcare leadership careers,physician workforce shortages,hospital and private practice partnerships,sports medicine fellowship programs,healthcare executive leadership,medical group operations,physician recruitment trends,orthopedic healthcare business,surgeon employment market,Healthcare recruiting agency,Flat fee healthcare recruiter,Nurse practitioner and physician assistant recruiter,Surgeon and orthopedic staffing agency,Medical office and billing staff recruitment,Connect with Jon Schmidt:LinkedIn: Jonathan SchmidtVisit Rothman Orthopaedics
