Only 28% of physicians rank compensation as the top factor when considering a rural practice, according to research from Jackson Physician Search. On the other hand, 40% of hospital administrators rank it No. 1.

“Overall, our survey has shown that while compensation and other financial incentives matter, other factors swing the decision to accept an offer to practice in a rural community,” said Tony Stajduhar, president of Jackson Physician Search. “Rural health system administrators have to develop a culture that is attractive to physicians and more importantly demonstrate their unique — and opportunity-filled — environment throughout the recruitment process.”

Other findings in the survey included:

• 43% of physicians ranked autonomy among the top three attributes of culture while only 17% of administrators did
• Only 3% of doctors felt a retention bonus would be a factor that compelled them to stay for the next five years compared to 20% of administrators
• 68% of physicians had roots in a rural community during their lifetimes

More than 78% of physicians in the survey currently practice in a community of less than 25,000.

The survey included responses from more than 150 physicians and 105 rural health system administrators.