Healthy Careers

(#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 Orthopaedics’ 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 recruitment * How Rothman Orthopaedics approaches fellowship-trained surgeon hiring and retention * The operational benefits of dedicated clinical assistant models in orthopedic practices * Differences between PSA models, hospital employment, and private practice structures * Strategies for scaling orthopedic groups while maintaining physician autonomy * How healthcare leaders can improve physician satisfaction, communication, and retention * Why operational alignment and leadership transparency are critical for growth in 2026 * The future of physician recruitment, workforce shortages, and orthopedic expansion strategies Episode Highlights: 00:39 Meet Jon Schmidt 01:32 From Occupational Therapist to Healthcare Executive 06:57 Why Physicians and Culture Matter in Recruitment 10:30 Rothman Orthopaedics’ Florida Expansion Strategy 13:27 Transitioning to a Professional Services Agreement (PSA) Model 16:24 Fellowship-Trained Recruiting and Subspecialty Alignment 19:27 The Clinical Assistant Model and Operational Efficiency 24:31 Strategic Growth Through Partnerships 29:58 The “Best of Both Worlds” Healthcare Model 35:00 Leadership, Operations, and Organizational Growth 40:58 Building Fairness, Communication, and Strong Workplace Culture 43:30 Final Thoughts and Future Hiring Trends 44:14 FREE: Salary Guide Keywords: 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 Schmidt [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-schmidt-42a4b9a6/] Visit Rothman Orthopaedics [https://www.rothmanortho.com/]

(#89) Following Happiness in Your Career with Katy Talento

In this episode of Healthy Careers, host Maddie Traylor sits down with Katy Talento, CEO of AllBetter Health and former White House health policy advisor, to discuss the importance of following happiness in your healthcare career while navigating burnout, healthcare reform, and professional reinvention. Katy shares her unconventional journey from epidemiology and public health into healthcare policy, the Senate, the White House, and even a period in religious life before transitioning into healthcare entrepreneurship and naturopathy. After experiencing burnout and losing her sister to colorectal cancer, Katy began questioning traditional healthcare systems and became passionate about creating more patient-centered and transparent healthcare solutions. The conversation dives into direct contracting, concierge primary care, employer-sponsored healthcare models, healthcare policy, physician independence, burnout in medicine, and healthcare innovation. Maddie and Katy also discuss systemic healthcare challenges, staffing shortages, patient advocacy, and why more employers are seeking alternatives to traditional insurance-driven healthcare systems. This episode is essential listening for healthcare executives, physicians, recruiters, healthcare entrepreneurs, practice leaders, policy professionals, and clinicians looking to build more fulfilling careers while exploring the future of healthcare delivery and employer-driven healthcare solutions. Key Takeaways: * Why healthcare professionals should recognize burnout early and prioritize long-term happiness * How direct contracting and concierge primary care models can improve patient outcomes and lower healthcare costs * The growing movement toward physician independence and employer-based healthcare solutions * Lessons learned from healthcare policy, entrepreneurship, and career reinvention * How staffing shortages and system incentives affect patient care experiences * Why transparency, preventative care, and patient advocacy are becoming critical in modern healthcare Episode Highlights: 00:32 Meet Katy Talento  01:34 Building an Unfiltered Healthcare Voice Through Substack  03:38 From Senate Policy Work to Religious Life  05:12 Discovering Epidemiology and Public Health  08:33 Campaign Work and Transitioning Into the White House  11:22 Exploring Naturopathy and Alternative Health Approaches  14:33 Returning to Foundational and Preventative Health  17:34 Personal ER Experiences and Healthcare System Challenges  20:38 How Employers Can Help Fix Healthcare Delivery  22:23 Inside the AllBetter Health Model  27:54 Physician Independence vs Employment Models  30:46 Challenging Large Healthcare Systems and Incentives  33:48 How to Connect with Katy Talento  35:13 Career Advice on Freedom, Fulfillment, and Happiness  38:06 Closing Thoughts & Bonus Offer Keywords: healthcare career fulfillment, healthcare leadership, physician burnout, direct contracting healthcare, concierge primary care, healthcare entrepreneurship, healthcare policy careers, employer healthcare solutions, preventative healthcare models, physician independence, career change in healthcare, healthcare recruiter podcast, patient-centered healthcare, healthcare innovation, healthcare business strategy, 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 Katy Talento: LinkedIn: Katy Talento [https://www.linkedin.com/in/katytalento/] Subscribe to Katy Talento's Substack [https://substack.com/@katytalento] Visit: AllBetter Health [https://allbetter.health/]

(#88) The Change that Physical Therapy NEEDS with Bryan Hill

In this episode of Healthy Careers, host Maddie Traylor sits down with Bryan Hill, CEO of Rehab United, to discuss the major changes the physical therapy industry and broader musculoskeletal (MSK) healthcare system desperately need. From declining reimbursements and provider burnout to preventative care and employer-driven healthcare solutions, Bryan shares an honest look at the future of physical therapy and outpatient rehabilitation. Bryan dives into how a life-changing femur fracture at age 14 inspired his path into healthcare entrepreneurship and ultimately led to the launch of Rehab United alongside his brother. Together, they built one of San Diego’s leading physical therapy organizations by prioritizing functional rehabilitation, early intervention, patient outcomes, and clinician empowerment. This episode explores the growing challenges facing outpatient physical therapy clinics, including insurance pressures, private equity influence, staffing shortages, and rising education costs. Bryan also explains how innovative compensation structures, telehealth, concierge rehabilitation, and employer-focused preventative programs can improve both clinician satisfaction and patient outcomes. This conversation is essential listening for physical therapists, orthopedic leaders, healthcare executives, practice owners, recruiters, sports medicine professionals, and clinicians looking to better understand the future of rehabilitation, MSK care, and private practice healthcare delivery. Key Takeaways: * Why the physical therapy industry must shift from reactive treatment to preventative MSK care * How declining reimbursements and rising student debt are impacting PT retention and burnout * The effects of private equity and insurance-driven metrics on outpatient rehabilitation clinics * Why clinician autonomy, accountability, and compensation flexibility matter in healthcare * How employer-based wellness and preventative programs can reduce MSK claims and healthcare costs * The growing role of telehealth, concierge rehab, and early intervention in patient care Episode Highlights: 00:32 Meet Bryan Hill: CEO of Rehab United 02:03 The Origin Story Behind Rehab United 04:59 Building a Strong Referral and Growth Strategy 07:30 Physical Therapy Economics and Declining Reimbursements 14:00 Private Equity Pressures in Outpatient Healthcare 17:07 Why Clinicians Must Know Their Numbers 18:06 Accountability, Work Ethic, and Healthcare Leadership 20:17 Inside Rehab United’s Uncapped Compensation Model 28:04 Flexibility and Long-Term Career Growth in PT 31:06 Leadership Beyond Job Titles 31:47 Creating a Positive and Supportive Clinic Culture 32:51 Why Physical Therapy Environments Matter for Recovery 33:32 Family Stories and Patient Buy-In 35:15 The Shift Toward Preventative Physical Therapy 37:15 Employer Healthcare Programs and Cost Savings 42:02 Telehealth, Access, and Concierge Rehabilitation Models 45:20 The Reality of Navigating the Healthcare System 48:38 PRP, Peptides, and Emerging Treatment Options 50:38 Knowing When Surgery Is Truly Necessary 56:08 Resilience, Curiosity, and Final Thoughts Keywords: physical therapy industry, musculoskeletal healthcare, preventative physical therapy, outpatient rehabilitation, MSK care solutions, physical therapist burnout, healthcare leadership, orthopedic rehabilitation, telehealth physical therapy, private practice physical therapy, healthcare recruiting, sports medicine rehabilitation, employer healthcare solutions, concierge physical therapy, physical therapy business models, Connect with Bryan Hill: LinkedIn: Bryan Hill [https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-hill-61725018/] Visit Rehab United [https://www.rehabunited.com/]

(#87) 2026 Hiring Insight for Orthopedic Private Practices

In this episode, CEO of Advanced Scope, Maddie Traylor talks about hiring insights for private Orthopedic practices who need to hire as they grow in 2026. We cover the true cost and ROI of recruiting and how to position yourself in the talent market to find the best Physicians, Surgeons, PA-Cs and NPs. We go over the financial risk and reward, and exact numbers on how to calculate your potential revenue profit OR loss when it comes to using a recruiter. #healthcarerecruiter #hiringinhealthcare #physicianrecruitment #advancedpractice #physicianassociate #nursepractitioner #healthcarepodcast

(#86) Having Courage to Change Jobs with Steve Hatkin, COO

In this episode of Healthy Careers, host Maddie Traylor sits down with Steve Hatkin, Chief Operating Officer of the Orthopedic Institute, to discuss the courage it takes to change jobs in healthcare leadership—especially after a long and successful tenure. With a background in public accounting at Coopers & Lybrand and over 17 years as a CFO in a physician-owned multi-specialty group, Steve shares his transition into a new executive role within independent orthopedic practice. The conversation dives into the realities of starting over, navigating uncertainty, and making intentional career moves in today’s evolving healthcare business environment. This episode is essential listening for healthcare executives, administrators, physicians, and aspiring leaders who are considering a career pivot, evaluating private practice opportunities, or seeking clarity on leadership growth, work-life balance, and long-term career strategy in healthcare. Key Takeaways: * Why changing jobs—even after long tenure—can accelerate career growth in healthcare * The mindset required to step into new leadership roles with confidence * Key differences between private practice and large healthcare systems * How healthcare finance, insurance dynamics, and regulation impact leadership decisions * The importance of first impressions and intentional career planning * Practical advice on maintaining work-life balance while advancing professionally Episode Highlights: 00:34 Meet Steve Hatkin: COO and Healthcare Leader 01:33 From Public Accounting to Healthcare Finance 03:41 Understanding Healthcare as a Business 06:42 Cash Pay Models and Price Transparency 08:20 Patient Choice and Financial Decision-Making 09:46 Why Private Practice Models Can Win 15:01 17-Year Tenure: Knowing When It’s Time to Move On 18:08 Starting Over in a New Leadership Role 19:56 Why Orthopedics Offers Unique Opportunities 23:41 Having the Courage to Make a Career Leap 29:01 Advice to His Younger Self 32:47 Staying Independent and Building Strong Teams 35:21 Final Thoughts on Leadership and Growth 36:37 FREE PA Salary Guide Keywords: healthcare leadership careers, changing jobs in healthcare, healthcare executive career growth, private practice vs hospital employment, orthopedic practice management, healthcare COO insights, physician-owned practice leadership, healthcare finance and operations, career transitions in healthcare, healthcare recruiting trends, medical practice administration, leadership development in healthcare, 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 Steve Hatkin LinkedIn: Steve Hatkin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-hatkin-233a4b5/] Visit Orthopedic Institute [https://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/]