
In today’s competitive and evolving landscape of aesthetic and reconstructive surgery, plastic surgeon candidates are increasingly strategic about their career decisions. Whether newly trained or seasoned professionals, surgeons are not only evaluating compensation but looking holistically at how a practice aligns with their personal and professional goals.
Here are the key factors that plastic surgeon candidates typically consider before joining a plastic surgery practice:
1. Practice Culture and Reputation
Surgeons want to work in environments where clinical excellence, integrity, and patient satisfaction are prioritized. Candidates will often research the practice’s public reputation, online reviews, and word-of-mouth within the surgical community. A collegial, supportive culture with ethical business practices is often just as important as financial incentives.
2. Case Mix and Volume
Surgeons assess whether the practice offers the type of procedures they enjoy and are trained to perform. Aesthetic-focused surgeons may prefer high-volume cosmetic practices with robust patient demand for body contouring, facial aesthetics, or breast surgery. Reconstructive surgeons, meanwhile, look for diversity in trauma, hand, breast reconstruction, or microsurgical cases.
3. Autonomy and Growth Opportunities
Candidates evaluate whether they will be treated as an employee or a future partner. Many are looking for clear tracks to partnership or ownership, along with opportunities to build their own brand within the practice. Access to their own patient base, autonomy in treatment planning, and involvement in business decisions are strong selling points.
4. Compensation Structure
While salary is essential, surgeons pay close attention to how productivity bonuses, collections-based incentives, and buy-in options are structured. Transparency and fairness in compensation models, as well as benefits such as malpractice insurance, health coverage, and CME stipends, can significantly influence decisions.
5. Facilities and Technology
A modern, well-equipped office and accredited on-site ORs (such as AAAASF or Quad A certified) can be a strong draw. Candidates often want to see that the practice has invested in the latest surgical technology, EHR systems, and patient safety protocols.
6. Marketing and Patient Acquisition
Especially in aesthetic surgery, a surgeon’s success is often tied to the quality and effectiveness of the practice’s marketing strategy. Candidates will want to understand how patients are acquired, how leads are handled, and whether the practice supports surgeon-specific branding and social media presence.
7. Mentorship and Collegial Support
Newly trained surgeons value environments where mentorship is available from experienced peers. This support is crucial not only for surgical guidance but also for navigating the business and interpersonal sides of private practice.
8. Work-Life Balance and Location
Lifestyle factors such as call expectations, clinic hours, and vacation policies matter. Additionally, candidates consider whether the location fits their lifestyle — including schools, housing, partner employment opportunities, and access to cultural or outdoor activities.
9. Legal and Contractual Transparency
Surgeons are increasingly cautious about restrictive covenants, non-compete clauses, and unclear expectations. They will often involve legal counsel to review offer letters and contracts. Practices that are upfront and fair in these agreements tend to attract better, longer-term candidates.
Final Thoughts
To attract top-tier plastic surgery talent, practices must position themselves not just as employers, but as partners in a surgeon’s long-term success. Transparency, mentorship, growth potential, and alignment in values are the cornerstones of successful recruiting and retention in today’s competitive market.
If your practice is seeking to hire top tier plastic surgeons to join your practice ESA Medical Resources can connect you to the best plastic surgeons seeking opportunities. Email David Smith at david@gotplasticsurgeryjobs.com or call/test 270-266-1024.