On March 22-25, more than 1,150 attendees, including recruitment professionals, sponsors and exhibitors, gathered in Phoenix, Arizona to attend AAPPR’s annual conference, Advancing Connections, to discuss industry trends and important topics in physician and provider recruitment. The conference featured keynote presentations, breakout sessions and roundtable discussions on various topics including recruitment strategies and workforce planning, the role of technology and artificial intelligence (AI), and external influences on physician recruitment. Here are five key themes and takeaways from this year’s event:

1. Technology and AI Are Here to Stay (and to Help)

AI and emerging technologies are already transforming how recruitment happens today. Speakers and panelists, which included more than half AAPPR members, explored how technology is streamlining workflows, improving candidate matching, and helping recruiters spend more time focusing on relationships and less on repetitive, tactical tasks. We know AI works best when paired with human intuition. Technology should empower recruiters, not replace them. When used thoughtfully and responsibly, these tools can help overcome pipeline shortages, create a more personalized experience for candidates, and support fairer hiring practices through continuous monitoring and human oversight.

2. DEI Remains a Strategic Imperative

As technology and AI reshape recruitment strategies, organizations are doubling down on their commitment to equity and inclusion. Sessions highlighted how unchecked automation can perpetuate bias, and how recruiters are using tools like inclusive language checkers and blind hiring platforms to attract more diverse talent—especially in rural or underrepresented areas. But the conversation went deeper this year as organizations face growing pressure to navigate shifting federal policies and funding uncertainties that could impact DEI-related efforts. A key theme emerged around reinforcing the value of diversity as a driver of stronger teams, more inclusive cultures and better patient outcomes. Candidates increasingly seek out inclusive cultures and view workforce diversity as a marker of organizational health, and in this evolving landscape, thoughtful and transparent recruitment practices are more essential than ever.

3. Recruitment Requires Innovation, Not Just Adaptation

It’s no secret that recruitment teams are feeling the strain of physician shortages and changing workforce expectations. The most successful strategies go beyond simply adapting to the market and instead reframe how we approach recruitment altogether. From developing partnerships earlier in the talent pipeline to exploring hybrid care models and rethinking compensation packages, organizations are finding bold, creative ways to stand out. In today’s climate, innovation is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity.

4. External Forces Are Reshaping the Landscape

Legislative changes, immigration policy, and shifts in rural healthcare access are all impacting how and where we find talent. Several conversations at this year’s conference focused on the importance of staying informed and being proactive—especially when external forces can dramatically affect timelines, compliance and even candidate mobility. For many organizations, success now depends on their ability to navigate change, advocate for flexibility and build systems that can adapt quickly to new realities.

5. The Cornerstone of Retention is Relationships

Whether it’s supporting international medical graduates (IMGs), mentoring young physicians just entering the field, or understanding what new generations of providers are looking for, one message will stay consistent and essential: meaningful, long-term relationships are key. Recruitment doesn’t end with a signed contract. Building strong onboarding programs, offering cultural and community support, and providing clear career pathways are what turn hires into loyal team members. The future of recruitment is as much about retention as it is about attraction.

Be sure to mark your calendars for the 2026 AAPPR Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida! The certification workshops will take place April 12-13, 2026, followed by the conference on April 13-15, 2026.