From Contract to Connection Building Loyalty and Reducing Turnover Among Early-Career Physicians

Early-career physicians are eager to make an impact in their first jobs—but many don’t stay long. According to new research from Jackson Physician Search and MGMA, nearly half of early-career physicians leave their first organization within three years, often because the reality of the culture doesn’t match what was promised. Meanwhile, 69% of administrators believe those physicians will stay six years or more, revealing a costly “expectation gap” that directly affects recruitment and retention. This session explores the key drivers of early-career physician loyalty and how organizations can close the retention gap through connection—not contracts. Drawing on national survey data and insights from hundreds of recruitment conversations, the session will highlight the most powerful loyalty drivers. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to strengthen engagement before day one, embed mentorship and feedback into daily operations, and align organizational culture with what today’s physicians value most: purpose, trust, and connection. Objectives: -Analyze the core factors that influence early-career physician satisfaction and long-term retention. -Implement strategies to build connection and belonging through intentional pre-boarding, mentorship, and communication. -Apply relationship-driven recruitment and retention practices that align organizational culture with physician expectations.

Audience: Hospital 

Continuing education credits available: Certificate of attendance

Presenter: Tim Sheley, Executive Vice President, Business Development & Tara Osseck, Senior Vice President, Recruiting, Jackson Physician Search

Presented: June 17, 2026