Healthy Careers

Maddie Traylor shares insights on leveraging technology and AI in healthcare recruiting, offering alternatives to traditional agency hiring, and how practices can optimize their internal recruitment processes to save costs and improve talent acquisition.

Key Topics

• Using AI to streamline sourcing and candidate hunting
• Shifting from traditional agency recruitment to internal systems
• Implementing software and databases for better hiring outcomes
• The importance of timing and candidate-driven markets
• Consultative approaches to internal recruitment improvement

Takeaways

• AI can automate sourcing and find candidates while you sleep
• Internal recruiters can be trained to hunt like agency recruiters
• Implementing the right software can reduce reliance on costly agencies
• Timing is critical in a candidate-driven market
• Practices should leverage technology to stay competitive

Keywords

healthcare recruiting, AI in recruitment, internal hiring, recruiting technology, healthcare staffing, cost-saving in hiring, talent acquisition strategies

In this episode of Healthy Careers, host Maddie Traylor sits down with Chris Greenman, CEO of Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery and former CEO of Tahoe Fracture, to explore how fear, resilience, and continuous learning shape successful healthcare leaders. With more than two decades of executive leadership in orthopedic private practice, Chris shares his journey from earning dual MBA and MHA degrees to leading some of the nation's most respected physician-owned organizations.

Chris opens up about transitioning between leadership roles after private equity reshaped his previous organization, the lessons he learned from leading physician-owned practices, and how childhood experiences influenced his leadership mindset. He also discusses the importance of investing in professional organizations like the American Alliance of Orthopaedic Executives (AAOE), developing strong physician relationships, and making courageous decisions rather than allowing fear to dictate career choices.

Whether you're a healthcare executive, orthopedic practice administrator, physician leader, recruiter, or aspiring healthcare professional, this episode offers practical leadership insights on overcoming self-doubt, building influential professional networks, and creating long-term career success in today's rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.

Key Takeaways:

• Why fear should inform decisions—not control them
• Lessons from leading physician-owned orthopedic practices for over 25 years
• How networking through AAOE accelerates healthcare leadership growth
• The value of mentorship, committees, and professional relationships
• Managing physician partnerships through trust, communication, and transparency
• Why healthcare leaders should remain curious and embrace continuous learning
• Navigating private equity transitions while maintaining organizational culture
• Career advice for future healthcare executives and practice administrators

Episode Highlights:

01:13 Chris' Journey into Healthcare Leadership

03:16 Building Tahoe Fracture into a Leading Orthopedic Practice

05:59 Transitioning to Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery

09:15 How Childhood Experiences Shaped Leadership

12:53 The Career Impact of AAOE Leadership

15:27 Building Relationships Through Healthcare Networking

18:47 Why MBA & MHA Degrees Still Matter

20:33 Leading Physician Partners Successfully

24:28 Advice to Chris' Younger Self

27:54 Final Leadership Lessons

28:32 PA Salary Guide & Closing

Keywords:

healthcare executive leadership,

orthopedic practice management,

physician practice leadership,

healthcare CEO podcast,

orthopedic private practice,

healthcare leadership development,

AAOE leadership,

physician partnership management,

private equity in healthcare,

healthcare administration careers,

medical practice operations,

healthcare recruiter podcast,

physician-owned practices,

healthcare networking,

executive leadership in healthcare,

orthopedic business strategy,

healthcare management careers,

practice administrator leadership,

healthcare organizational culture,

leadership mindset in medicine,

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 Chris Greenman:
LinkedIn: Chris Greenman
Visit Vail-Summit Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery

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

Visit Rothman Orthopaedics

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
Subscribe to Katy Talento's Substack
Visit: AllBetter Health

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
Visit Rehab United

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

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
Visit Orthopedic Institute

In this episode of Healthy Careers, host Maddie Traylor sits down with Kris Jones, an experienced medical device distributor and orthopedic sales professional, to uncover the untold truths of medical device distribution and sales—an area of healthcare often misunderstood from the outside.

Kris shares his journey from orthopedic medical sales to building and running his own medical device distributorship, offering a candid look at the realities of life in medical sales. The conversation explores the business side of healthcare, the pressure-filled environment of the OR, relationship-driven selling, and what it truly takes to succeed in a highly competitive medical device industry.

This episode is a must-listen for healthcare professionals, medical sales reps, aspiring device distributors, recruiters, and clinicians considering a transition into sales or entrepreneurship within the medical device and healthcare business landscape.

Key Takeaways:

• The real day-to-day realities of working in medical device sales and distribution

• Common misconceptions about medical sales careers and income potential

• Why relationship-building is critical in orthopedic and medical device sales

• How to transition into medical device sales from a clinical or non-clinical background

• Balancing business ownership, operating room demands, and personal life

• Practical advice for navigating recruiting and career entry in medical sales

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction & Personal Story
00:43 Meet Kris Jones: From Family Business to Medical Device Sales
01:31 Early Career in Orthopedic Sales
03:07 Challenges and Learning in the Operating Room
08:27 Balancing Business Ownership and Clinical Responsibilities
13:46 The Untold Realities of Medical Device Sales
21:06 Navigating a Competitive Medical Sales Job Market
22:08 The Importance of Networking and Relationships
23:41 Shadowing, Mentorship, and Gaining Industry Experience
24:41 Career Transitions: When and How to Make the Move
27:01 Work-Life Balance in Medical Device Sales
29:49 Advice for Aspiring Medical Sales Professionals
36:04 The Reality of Recruiting in Medical Device Sales
39:38 Closing Thoughts & Future Plans

Keywords:

medical device distribution,
medical device sales,
orthopedic medical sales,
medical sales careers,
healthcare business,
medical device distributor,
healthcare recruiting,
operating room sales,
clinical to sales transition,
medical sales entrepreneurship,
relationship-based healthcare sales,
medical device industry insights,

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 Kris Jones:
LinkedIn: Kris Jones

In this episode of Healthy Careers, host Maddie Traylor sits down with Brittany Strelow, an experienced Physician Assistant, educator, and healthcare leader based in Minnesota, to explore the evolving role of PA-Cs and the responsibility of training the next generation of providers.

With over 14 years of experience spanning clinical practice, academic medicine, and leadership, Brittany shares how PA education has transformed alongside workforce shortages, advancing technology, and shifting care models. She discusses why utilizing PAs at the top of their licensure is critical to improving patient access, reducing physician burnout, and strengthening healthcare systems.

Brittany also dives into the balance between technology and traditional education, flexible career paths for PA-Cs, and how healthcare organizations can retain talent while supporting professional fulfillment and work-life balance. This episode is a must-listen for healthcare recruiters, PA leaders, educators, and executives navigating the future of advanced practice providers.

Key Takeaways:

• How PA education has evolved to meet modern healthcare demands

• Why utilizing PA-Cs at the top of their license improves access and outcomes

• Addressing physician shortages through optimized PA and NP workforce models

• The role of technology in PA education and patient care delivery

• Strategies for preventing burnout and creating sustainable PA careers

• Why flexibility and leadership pathways are essential for PA retention

Episode Highlights:

00:42 Meet Brittany Strelow: A Physician Assistant’s Journey
02:02 Brittany’s Clinical, Educational, and Leadership Roles
08:21 How PA Education Has Evolved
10:49 Technology’s Impact on Healthcare & Medical Education
12:28 Balancing Innovation with Traditional Learning Models
14:28 The Future of Technology in Healthcare
19:25 Physician Shortages and Workforce Misconceptions
20:52 Optimizing PA & NP Utilization
23:50 Flexible Work Models in Healthcare
28:26 Advice for Burnt-Out PA-Cs
35:44 Final Reflections on the Future of PA Practice

Keywords:

Physician Assistant education,
PA-C career development,
advanced practice provider workforce,
healthcare workforce shortages,
PA utilization in healthcare,
medical education leadership,
future of physician assistants,
healthcare recruiting strategies,
PA burnout prevention,
technology in medical education,
healthcare leadership careers,
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 Brittany Strelow:

LinkedIn: Brittany Strelow
Visit American Academy of Physician Associates
Visit Mayo Clinic
Visit Olmsted Medical Center

In this episode of the Healthy Careers Podcast, host Maddie Traylor sits down with Dr. Ankur Patel, Founder and Interventional Pain Management Physician at Southern Pain and Spine in the Atlanta area. Dr. Patel shares a powerful and honest look at what it really takes to launch, scale, and sustain a thriving private practice in today’s post-COVID healthcare landscape. From his roots in a family business to working as a pharmacist and ultimately building a rapidly growing, multi-location medical practice, Dr. Patel’s journey is a masterclass in entrepreneurship, leadership, and clinical-business balance.

This episode dives into the business mechanics of private practice, the impact of exceptional patient experience, navigating the opioid epidemic, and why strategic partnerships and community relationships are foundational to long-term success in healthcare.

If you're a healthcare recruiter, practice owner, clinician exploring private practice, or a medical professional with entrepreneurial aspirations, this episode delivers clear, actionable insight on what it takes to build—and grow—a successful practice in today’s competitive medical environment.

Key Takeaways:

• Customer service is a competitive advantage in modern healthcare—patients expect hospitality, clarity, and efficiency.

• Private practice growth depends heavily on networking, local engagement, and authentic relationship-building.

• Launching a practice post-COVID requires adaptability, financial resilience, and operational discipline.

• Clinical skills alone are not enough—successful physicians must understand business, marketing, and team leadership.

• Partnerships accelerate scalability, especially when aligned around shared values and patient-centric care.

• The opioid epidemic has reshaped pain management, requiring responsible prescribing and patient education.

• Entrepreneurs in healthcare must expect uncertainty, stay disciplined, and focus on long-term goals over short-term gains.

Episode Highlights:

00:34 Meet Dr. Patel: His background in pharmacy and family business
01:26 Dr. Patel’s entrepreneurial origin story
03:21 Why networking and community relationships drive practice growth
07:04 Bringing “Southern hospitality” to the patient experience
10:37 Dr. Patel’s transition from pharmacist to physician
16:34 Rapid growth of Southern Pain and Spine post-launch
18:27 The value of strategic partnerships in a private practice
22:51 Dr. Patel’s advice for healthcare entrepreneurs
26:27 Closing thoughts and final insights

Keywords:

Private practice management,
How to start a medical practice,
Healthcare entrepreneurship,
Pain management physician business,
Growing a medical practice,
Healthcare leadership podcast,
Medical business strategy,
Post-COVID healthcare operations,
Physician entrepreneurship,
Scaling a private practice,
Patient experience in healthcare,
Opioid epidemic and pain management,
Medical recruiting insights,
Community-driven healthcare,
Atlanta medical practices,
Physician career development,
Healthcare business growth,
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 Ankur Patel:

LinkedIn: Ankur Patel
Visit Southern Pain & Spine