June 3rd, 2009
When Chad Perce and I started Medical Methods in January of 2004 we opened our doors as a full-service, allied healthcare recruiting company. We were recruiting a wide spectrum of skill sets for customers here in Northeast Florida. One of our first placements was a cardiovascular tech (CVT). We recruited positions from dosimetrists to pharmacists, but really got going when we started recruiting rehab therapists. We were inundated with requests from clients all over the state (and later from all over the country) to fill their PT, OT and SLP positions. At this time we decided to focus all our efforts on this niche and become experts at it. Well, after 5 straight years of this focus and several hundred placements in therapy, we are going back to our roots.
Now, I want to be clear. This does not mean that we are not focusing on therapy. We are as dedicated today to the therapy market as ever. This simply means we have grown to the point where we can now go back to our loyal customers and start serving them with more skill sets. This is an exciting time for our firm as we begin our journey back into general allied recruiting.
Our focus will not waiver with our most important mission – quality service. We started a quality movement in our industry when we launched Medical Methods by benchmarking and tracking quality via our Successful Placement Ratio measurements. This has been unheard of in the staffing industry. Unfortunately, most of our contemporaries have focused more on the “transaction” of the recruiting business vs. the long term relationship and the RIGHT MATCH.
For me, that is why we exist. To do everything within our power to put the right person in the right job the first time. Sounds simple, right? As you know, people are not widgets and there is an art as well as a science to making great matches. To date, we have made the right match over 90% of the time.
When we launched our second staffing firm, iMethods technical recruiting www.imethodsinc.com we made the same commitment to quality and are changing perceptions everyday about how technical staffing companies are viewed.
We bring this same level of commitment and service to the new skill sets we are now recruiting for Medical Methods.
So, if you know some outstanding healthcare candidates considering a job change – please let us know.
Until next time,
Clint
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
June 3rd, 2009
It is faint yet it is there. While unemployment is still high (and in some places getting higher) you can start to smell a hint of recovery. Consumer confidence is starting to turn. Companies are nearly done with layoffs. Inventories are slowly starting to rebuild. Companies are returning to profitability.
So, the real question is “Now what?” Well, that can only be answered by you but I have some thoughts that may help. If you have read my blog or know our company at all then you probably know that I would encourage you to dream big, play to your strengths and plan for you future.
Where are you then? Are you where you want to be one year from now? Are you in the right job? The right company? The right location? Are you as educated as you would like or need to be? Are you building your network? Do you know how to build your network? Do you think you want to own your own company?
If you answered no to many of these, then I encourage you take this slow down as a big opportunity to get on track. There is no doubt that things will improve over the next couple of years and that opportunities will be coming back.
I want to offer you two things today. First, if you think networking is an important part of your professional life (which it is for most of the planet), I invite you to view a recent presentation we prepared for you. There is a lot of info in here so if you have questions don’t hesitate to email or call.
Second, if you are one of the millions of budding entrepreneurs out there I offer you this video a friend of mine prepared. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6MhAwQ64c0
While I have opened the entrepreneur box let me share a few more thoughts on it. I truly believe there is an explosion of new businesses opening now and in the next 18-24 months. With every downturn our economy has, we sprouted countless entrepreneurs. This article seconds the notion.
Let’s look at my family for a minute. I am one of four children and was raised in a military family where my father served the Air Force for more than 20 years and then 20 more years with Lockheed Martin. My mother was a successful real estate broker. My oldest sister was the first entrepreneur in the family by opening her own preschool years ago. She was passionate and built an amazing school for her community. I was the next to fall by opening Medical Methods in 2004 after a 9 year career with a large national staffing firm (and subsequently iMethods). My brother was next to jump in at the end of last year (in the middle of this recession) by opening two Snap Fitness franchises http://snapfitness.com in the Charlotte area. He worked for the same large national recruiting company as I had and took this opportunity to create a new life for himself (one that he longed to have for many years). You probably guessed it. My other sister is now joining our ranks and is leaving Medical Methods and starting her own Snap Fitness franchise (still in this recession).
It would have been hard to predict that all four of my parent’s children would have ended up as entrepreneurs but I am thrilled that we have. As I type this I am attended my final year at a masters program designed for entrepreneurs (put on by MIT in Boston). My story starts back when I was twelve years old and had my own little lawn business (thanks to dad for the lawn mower and equipment that I used). I had 12 yards and earned money for my bicycles. I also dropped out of college (it was always a temporary move mom and dad) and started a company when I was 20. So, I always knew that it was in my blood. It my not be intuitive to start your own business now but I believe that starting a business as the tide rises can be a great time.
Your dreams, your life, your career are your responsibility. Get after it today.
Thanks for reading and I wish you all the best…and remember to start smelling the rebound.
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
March 11th, 2009
My business partner recently blogged on the topic of meaningful work and I encourage you to read it when you get a minute http://imethodsinc.com/blog. He eloquently and directly speaks to the subject of finding meaning at work. While I agree wholeheartedly with his viewpoint I thought I would add one additional, dare I say pragmatic, tidbit.
Over the last couple of decades predominate management philosophy was based on an intense focus on improving on your weaknesses. Some larger companies called these strategies, “Opportunities for Improvement”. Well, if you were ever a part of one of these companies, and chances are your were or still are, you know how futile and frustrating this is. While it is important to minimize your weaknesses in your employment you should spend the vast majority of your precious time focused squarely on your strengths. When you focus your time and effort on these strengths or talents then you have a near direct correlation to meaningful work.
You might be thinking, “I wish I focused on my strengths everyday” or you may be thinking “I don’t know if I really am focused on my strengths and honestly, I am not sure I even know what they are in the workplace.” Whichever one you are thinking, take heart – you are not alone. Most people in this country think those same thoughts everyday.
Well, Medical Methods was no different a couple of years ago until we ran into an author and expert on strengths – Marcus Buckingham. He has worked for many years on the subject and has been leading a “strengths revolution” of sorts around the globe. The good news is that he wrote a book, “Now, Discover your Strengths,” where you can take an online survey and identify your strengths in a matter of minutes. Our whole staff has taken the survey, knows there strengths and has development plans that are reinforced weekly to help them focus most of their precious time on the things that they are most gifted at and enjoy the most. This has created an incredible workplace filled with people engaged at work and yes even enjoying it. While this is sounds daunting it is really not as hard as it sounds.
- Purchase “Now, Discover your Strengths”.
- Take the online survey.
- Start identifying how much of the work you do actually plays to your strengths.
- Begin to architect a long term plan to minimize your weaknesses and the things you like least about your work and build a plan (and potentially a job or role change) based upon your strengths, talents and things you enjoy.
We all know plenty of people (when I say that I mean most of the people on this planet) that loathe their work. They likely are doing things that are not good at or dislike doing most of the time. However, we all know people (when I say that I mean a very small percentage of the people on this planet and hope you are one of them) that finds their work challenging, fun, exciting, and yep…meaningful. These people have found roles, companies, and leaders that focus their precious time on their strengths most of the time. Once you are on this path it makes your perspective change on all of the significant contributions you are making everyday in your job, in your community and even at home. It liberates and energizes you to do MEANINGFUL things while at work and away.
One additional note: knowing your strengths can be an essential part of your job search. If you understand your strengths well it can help you identify the right job, role and company to work for. Also, it can help you get the right job. How? Well, let’s say you were one of two candidates vying for 1 position and the manager said, “why should I hire you over the other candidate?” to which you said, “Well, I have researched my strengths and in addition to my clinical skills and experience that fit perfectly here I know that my development strength will be put to good use in marketing to physicians as well as my maximizer strength which will help me take your current processes and make them better over time…” And so on. Do you think this would help your chances of getting that job? You bet.
Posted in Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants, Occupational Therapists (OT), Physical Therapists (PT), Physical Therapy Jobs, Physical therapy (PT), Physical therapy assistants (PTA), Speech Language Pathologists (SLP), Therapist Recruiter, Therapist Staffing | No Comments »
March 11th, 2009
Medical Methods has spent a lot of time on college recruiting strategies that will attract the younger demographic. However, as new graduates are hired into permanent positions, older therapists may feel like they are better situated to seek out more professional freedom.
Clinicians in their 40s have seen a great deal in their careers. They have cared for patients young and old, and have treated all sorts of ailments. Our clients don’t ask for therapists by age, but they do consistently ask for experience. They operate off of the philosophy that the more experience a therapist has, the better. This correlates to people in their 40s.
I turn 40 this year. I can remember the sound of a rotary phone. I can remember when video games were in black and white and when color television sets were a big deal. And, I can remember when music evolved from LP’s to cassettes to CDs. If you can remember any or all of these things then you are in demand in this tight labor market.
Early on in the healthcare traveling industry, the majority of travelers were young and single. However, even traveling at forty-something for a therapist can have appeal. You can have the ability to visit family and friends for prolonged periods, and enjoy freedom from workplace politics. You may now have fewer ties to home as your children get older.
The majority of therapists are aging up and they are realizing that circumstances have changed. Don’t’ let this tough economy scare you (check out this article from Career Builder). More individuals are realizing that now may be the time to make a change and seize the moment. The experience you have gained over the years is a commodity valued by our clients in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and skilled nursing facilities.
Your Friend,
Dean Medley
Vice President of Recruiting
Medical Methods Healthcare Recruiting
904-398-4133 Office
904-398-4148 Fax
904-705-3552 Mobile
877-990-0090 Toll Free
dean.medley@medicalmethods.net
www.medicalmethods.net
Posted in Ask Dean | No Comments »
March 11th, 2009
On February 4, 2004 Mark Zuckerberg founded “The Facebook” originally located at “thefacebook.com.” Today this social networking site (once only accessible to Harvard University students) has dropped “The” from it’s name and is now one of the most popular, privately owned, free access sites around. In a 2006 study conducted by the Student Monitor, Facebook was named the second most popular thing by undergraduates, tied with beer and only ranked lower than the iPod.
Facebook’s popularity has taken the therapy recruiting industry by storm. What better way is there for a Recruiter to keep track of their prospects than by sending them messages and sharing photos with them and all of those other things? Its appeal is both obvious and rather subtle. My wife is a great example of someone who I would never have expected to latch on to concept, but Facebook’s clean design and classy upmarket feel wasn’t something that even she could resist.
Today, I’m proud to announce that I have more than 100 Facebook friends. Well….probably not really because a lot of them I’ve never even talked to – but they are on my list. I also notice if someone with over 1,000 friends “unfriends” me (some people prefer the term de-friending); it actually hurts my feelings now. If they have less than 50 friends then at least I know they are probably trying to limit it to their intimates.
I’ve also learned a few things about Facebook etiquette. If someone pokes you – you don’t run over to their house with a baseball bat. Also, don’t post pictures of yourself drunk at last Saturday night’s party for everyone to see (especially your boss).
It seems like for the most part there are no secrets on Facebook. People tend to use their real names, age, sex, whereabouts, romantic interests, and institutional affiliations. You see, on Facebook everyone knows you’re a dog – so it’s ok! That’s probably why Facebook’s fastest growing demographic consists of people 35 and older. 
Here is one of my Facebook profile pictures for your enjoyment.
Medical Methods has just recently started a public page on Facebook. It’s a nice way for us to build a database and community of therapists, send them news updates, provide links, and other information. It’s free and easy to join.
Just go to http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/Jacksonville-FL/Medical-Methods/42483587267?ref=mf and register yourself as a fan.
I hope to see you online.
Your Friend (maybe),
Dean Medley
Vice President of Recruiting
Medical Methods Healthcare Recruiting
904-398-4133 Office
904-398-4148 Fax
904-705-3552 Mobile
877-990-0090 Toll Free
dean.medley@medicalmethods.net
www.medicalmethods.net
Posted in Ask Dean | No Comments »
March 11th, 2009
The therapy job market has changed dramatically now that the U.S. economy is in a recession. Competition for jobs has heated up as an increasing number of skilled clinicians flood the market. Also, facilities are reconsidering their hiring plans as they wait for the economy to rebound. And while the internet has made it easier than ever for therapists to post their resumes, that convenience has made it harder for them to stand out. Even the basics of a job search – resumes, cover letters, interviews, and salary negotiations have changed as a result of the economy. It’s no longer an employee’s market, and therapy job seekers have to adapt accordingly.
If you are tired of struggling to find the right job and don’t want the economic slowdown to hurt your chances of landing a new one, there are some best practices for conducting a search when times are tight.
Many therapists still use the shotgun method for conducting their job search. They read the newspapers or job boards; then they submit their standard resume to either a handful of opportunities they see, or they submit to dozens of therapy jobs with the same resume as long as the position is consistent with their skill set. As therapy job seekers become more fearful of the economy, they fall back on the shotgun method because it feels like they are out there working it.
The problem with the shotgun method is that it doesn’t work, especially in a job market where the employers have the pick of the litter. In fact, it does more harm than good. Recruiters are not likely to want to help you because you have given your information to all the potential hiring facilities free access to your information, which negates the value they provide to their clients. Second, you commoditize yourself. By posting your resume everywhere, you become indistinguishable from all of the other job seekers in your skill set. Finally, when you try to be all things to all prospective employers by sending out a standard resume to them, you end up being nothing to any of them. Your resume won’t even get noticed because it doesn’t stand out.
What the shotgun method lacks is a specific idea of the therapy job that you want and a plan on how to get it. Yet few therapists start with these ideas since both require thought and time. Pressure causes most job seekers to feel that they don’t have the time to create a strategy. They simply want to apply to as many positions as possible. By taking the time to zero in on a specific career goal, company, facility, and job, you demonstrate to your employer your clarity and ability to manage things.
The amount of time this type of planning requires varies by person, but a long-term, solutions-oriented job search is well worth it. Plan to succeed in your job search and you will. Structure every day with that expectation and get up each morning asking yourself what needs to get done today to meet your goal. Plan for success and enjoy the right opportunity when it comes!
Dean Medley
Vice President of Recruiting
Medical Methods Healthcare Recruiting
904-398-4133 Office
904-398-4148 Fax
904-705-3552 Mobile
877-990-0090 Toll Free
dean.medley@medicalmethods.net
www.medicalmethods.net
Posted in Ask Dean | No Comments »
March 11th, 2009
There are many reasons for wanting to quit your position. Therapists who are unhappy in their current job usually feel underpaid, aren’t provided enough opportunities if they are a contractor, aren’t given enough opportunities to advance, aren’t adequately recognized, bored, stressed, or not given access to learning opportunities. Given individual circumstances, these may be legitimate reasons. However, when do you know you’ve really reached the breaking point particularly in this economy? How do you know that the time is right to say good bye?
Being undercompensated is one of the most common things that I hear among therapists – but is it really true? There are many resources on the internet that can help you determine your market value based on your location, setting, and level of experience.
If stress in your facility is creating health related problems, or causing you to lose sleep, there is cause for concern. If you can’t work out the problems at work, either directly with your supervisor or through human resources, you may have to remove yourself from the tense situation.
Your current situation may make it difficult to balance your work with all the other aspects of your life. If you have problems maintaining a work/life balance, you should first try to establish a flexible arrangement with your employer. Many medical facilities have done some amazing and creative things with alternative work schedules and even leaves of absences. If your facility is unwilling to compromise, it may be time to move on.
The best method to determining whether or not it’s time to leave your job is your intuition. Many therapists stay too long in a bad situation because of uncertainty about what will happen once they leave. The longer you stay in a bad position, however, the harder it is to leave. It is important to realize that leaving the old job behind could lead to something better in the future.
There has been a dramatic shift in market conditions related to contract vs. permanent employment opportunities in therapy staffing recently. The number of contract opportunities has decreased but the quantity and quality of permanent therapy positions has dramatically improved just in the past few months. This is a great time to leverage this paradigm shift in market conditions as an opportunity to give careful consideration to making a change. It certainly isn’t something you should do on the fly because it will undoubtedly have a big impact on your life. However, there are a lot of unique opportunities to possibly improve your current situation.
Dean Medley
Vice President of Recruiting
Medical Methods Healthcare Recruiting
904-398-4133 Office
904-398-4148 Fax
904-705-3552 Mobile
877-990-0090 Toll Free
dean.medley@medicalmethods.net
www.medicalmethods.net
Posted in Ask Dean | No Comments »
March 11th, 2009
I’ve noticed an increasing number of blurry-eyed people around here these past few weeks! The Olympics have certainly captured our attention and enthusiasm, and many of us who are normally early-to-bed folks aren’t getting as much sleep as we’re used to with these late-night events. Some of the competitions have been particularly exciting to watch!
It always strikes me how these top athletes who have been training so self-sacrificially for so many years have a single shot at winning a medal. A single missed-step by a gymnast or a fraction of a second by a swimmer can make the difference between victory and defeat.
A mother of one of the gymnasts was being interviewed, and she was asked how it made her feel to watch her daughter in the competition. She responded that it was the most painful thing she could imagine. She felt the pressure of wanting her daughter to do the very best she could and the devastation of every mistake her daughter made. I think every parent can identify to some extent with that, wanting the very best for our kids and to protect them from failure.
That interview reminded me that behind every one of those athletes is a whole support team of people who have encouraged and coached and made plenty of sacrifices in their own lives to help the athlete achieve their potential.
And in every one of OUR lives there’s a whole support team of people who have helped in the development of our potential as we have grown. This includes our parents and families, our churches, our coaches, our employers, our teachers, and our mentors.
It is essential to have mentors to provide the “aha” experiences to guide and direct new therapists and help others in today’s healthcare environment. A career in rehabilitative medicine is challenging and exciting. Flexibility and making adjustments are critical and it’s becoming more important to rely on mentors for professional reassurance and development. Mentors can be especially helpful with maintaining balance for clinicians and increases success and overall job satisfaction.
Medical Methods is currently embarking on an odyssey. We are developing a therapist mentoring program and it has been and will continue to be a long and adventurous journey. It will provide a vehicle for developing relationships where the mentor and mentee can work together and discover and develop the knowledge and skills needed by the mentee to grow. Whether you are a traveler, permanent staff therapists, or in a leadership position it is essential that you take the time to clearly understand the true advantages of mentoring. It will improve your practice and help you with relationships with your co-workers and also dramatically enhance patient outcomes. I would be very interested in hearing from you any suggestions you may have to make this “adventure” successful. Please email me directly at dean.medley@medicalmethods.net. I would love to hear from you.
As you continue to enjoy the Olympics this week, don’t forget all those who stand behind every athlete who have taught and coached and supported them. And let’s all give thanks for those people in our lives who have taught us the truths that have helped to shape us into the kind of people that will have a positive impact in our world.
Dean Medley
Vice President of Recruiting
Medical Methods Healthcare Recruiting
904-398-4133 Office
904-398-4148 Fax
904-705-3552 Mobile
877-990-0090 Toll Free
www.medicalmethods.net
Posted in Ask Dean | No Comments »
March 11th, 2009
I finally had to put my newspaper down this morning and take a break after reading these headlines:
•Starbucks Closes 600 Company Owned Stores
•Citigroup Posts $5B loss
•Holiday Travel Will Get Costlier
•Dow’s Big Bounce Poses Question: Will it Last?
You don’t have to read many newspapers or watch much CNN to know that clearly the nation is in deep financial trouble. I speak with dozens of therapists a day and the one common denominator is that they are all still looking for adventure but must now do it cautiously and on a limited budget. Below are some tips particularly for contract and traveling therapists on how you can see more for less, no matter where you may be in the country.
In your time between assignments or before you move on to your next location, be sure and check out attractions that your region has to offer. There are many free or low fee things that can be done including festivals, special events, and walking tours. Many internet sites are available that list activities nationwide by city and state. Some organize events by art, culture, kids, motorsports, etc.
Visit www.recreation.gov for information into the federal park system and you can narrow your search by activity, state, and day. I went to the zoo with my three-year-old son a few weeks ago and I didn’t want to leave. Also, there are more than 15,000 museums across the country that can be accessed on www.museumsusa.org.
Whatever you decide, remember that saving money isn’t the only perk. Low cost adventures can reduce stress and offer great networking opportunities, whether you are at home or getting adjusted to a new job assignment location.
Dean Medley
Vice President of Recruiting
904-398-4133 Office
904-398-4148 Fax
904-705-3552 Mobile
877-990-0090 Toll Free
Posted in Ask Dean | No Comments »
March 11th, 2009
Sometimes people ask me if I feel proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish in my recruiting career. I’m never quite sure how to respond to that because, even though I certainly feel joy in it, I can’t say that I feel “pride” in it. I know that anything good is a result of the working of the Holy Spirit, and I’m just privileged whenever He uses me to accomplish His work. So I really feel more humbled and honored than proud.
This past year Iím feeling especially PROUD of all that GOD is doing here at Medical Methods! We have a great team with an awesome track record of recognizing and placing exceptional therapists. Our college recruiting strategy is successfully underway and with the Millennial Generation (born in the 1980’s and 1990’s) entering the workforce as quickly as the boomers are retiring, Medical Methods is realizing that they are bringing with them a set of ideals that differ greatly from those of previous generations.
To form successful working relationships, as an employer Iíve had to meet on common ground with a lot of therapists to understand and appreciate the way they work. For example, a year ago I had never heard of Facebook. Today Iím sitting next to a Millennial Recruiter that spends a tremendous amount of her day navigating these social and networking sites “poking” various therapy prospects.
Millennials are known for their exceptional multi-tasking and team-building abilities. This is a direct result of the high-tech, interactive manner in which theyíve communicated nearly all their lives. Some would argue that Millennials are less loyal to their employers. As workers, they are more likely than their predecessors to push for flexible schedules, extra benefits, work/life balance, and frequent promotions. I challenge this notion because in my experience, any therapist that doesnít get what they are looking for, at some point will look to make a change.
Medical Methods has done an excellent job of understanding where the Millennial Generation is coming from, and is keeping an open mind regarding its future. Iím very pleased that my colleagues have the foresight and wisdom to recognize the needs of this next generation and I look forward to sharing with you future changes in our organization.
Dean Medley
Vice President of Recruiting
904-398-4133 Office
904-398-4148 Fax
904-705-3552 Mobile
877-990-0090 Toll Free
Posted in Ask Dean | No Comments »