Meeting instrument needs of incoming surgeons

Have you ever wondered what it would be like if you had the opportunity to be involved in surgeon recruitment? What kind of planning would be necessary? Who else would be involved? How many hours would it take? As director of central services, Oak Hill Hospital (Joplin, MO) for nine years, I had never before had an opportunity like this presented to me until recently. When asked to help prepare for the arrival of a new ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgeon, I felt elated at the prospect of this challenge. This article reviews the steps we went through to prepare for the new physician with special emphasis on meeting his specific instrument needs.