It takes a village: community engagement in physician recruiting Cortez, Colorado

What does it take to recruit doctors to rural America? In Cortez, Colorado, leaders at Southwest Health System are rethinking recruitment by focusing on something most systems overlook: community. Instead of traditional hiring, candidates and their families are invited to experience the town—meeting local leaders, exploring the outdoors, and building real connections before making a decision. As rural hospitals face growing physician shortages and risk losing essential services like labor and delivery, this approach offers a powerful reminder: Healthcare isn't just about jobs—it's about belonging.