Physician recruitment is one of the most critical growth levers for orthopedic practices, yet few approach it in a way that ensures both the new surgeon’s success and the long-term performance of the practice as a whole. Inside boardrooms and ASC strategy sessions across the country, we hear the same story: Practices know they need to grow, but hesitation, internal misalignment, or gut-based decisions slow them down. The result? Delays, missed opportunities, and—ultimately—millions in lost revenue. Many practices say they’re comfortable with their current size. The reality is more complex, as standing still can mean falling behind. Double digit increases in labor costs, skyrocketing overhead and construction costs, declining reimbursement, and growing competition mean your practice can’t afford to sit still. Hospitals are tightening their grip on referrals through employed networks, ASC capacity is expanding as Certificate of Need laws shift, and patients are prioritizing convenience and access over loyalty. Strategic growth isn’t optional. Rather, it’s an impetus to protect income. Yet, growth without strategy can be reckless. Financially resilient practices don’t just recruit to fill a vacancy. They build a team that aligns with local patient need to preserve income and position the group for long-term market relevance. The groups that win are those that: - Expand subspecialties where there is demand - Deploy surgeons in geographical areas where they’ll drive the most value - Use data to de-risk recruitment and align internally Let’s explore this further.