Business Solutions: Is Medicine Still a Calling? Insights from Physician Purpose and Satisfaction

In this episode of the MGMA Business Solutions Podcast, host Daniel Williams sits down with Helen Falkner, Regional Vice President of Recruiting at Jackson Physician Search, and Dr. Miechia Esco, Chief Medical Resource Officer at Locum Tenens.com. Based on a groundbreaking report titled "Is Medicine Still a Calling?", the discussion explores physician satisfaction, purpose, and strategies for maintaining passion in healthcare. Key Takeaways: 01:47 – Why the Report Was Created Dr. Esco explains the systemic challenges in healthcare that led to the central question: Is medicine still a calling? 02:55 – Purpose and Provider Retention Helen Falkner discusses how a sense of purpose directly impacts physician well-being, engagement, and retention. 06:39 – Why Passion Fades Over Time Dr. Esco explores how administrative demands dilute a clinician’s original motivation for entering medicine. 08:20 – Four Keys to Organizational Alignment Helen outlines four ways healthcare organizations can align with providers’ values: communication, support, mentorship, and realistic expectations. 11:11 – How to Stay Connected to Purpose in Tough Times Dr. Esco emphasizes the importance of institutional culture and mission clarity in supporting clinicians during burnout. 12:59 – Re-engaging Disconnected Clinicians Helen describes how mentorship, leadership opportunities, and flexible work-life balance initiatives can help clinicians feel valued. 15:01 – Lessons from High-Purpose Specialties Dr. Esco explains why specialties like behavioral and women’s health report higher purpose, rooted in deep patient connection. 16:44 – Reducing Administrative Burden Helen stresses how cutting down on tasks like documentation and pajama time can reignite clinicians’ joy in practicing medicine. Resources:Full Report: Is Medicine Still a Calling? by Jackson Physician Search and Locum Tenens.comJackson Physician Search websiteLocum Tenens websiteConnect with Helen Falkner on LinkedInDr. Miechia Esco executive bio Additional Resources:MGMA PlaybooksMGMA EventsMGMA ConsultingMGMA DataDiveMGMA StatMGMA Podcasts Email us at dwilliams@mgma.com if you would like to appear on an episode. If you have a question about your practice that you would like us to answer, send an email to advisor@mgma.com. Don't forget to subscribe to our network wherever you get your podcasts.