The globalization of healthcare markets and executive talent

This article originally appeared on intersearch.org.

Like many others, the healthcare industry has seen its walls expand beyond borders, becoming a vast global market. This shift has had a profound impact on executive search practices, as organizations strive to navigate the complexities of a world without frontiers. The globalization of healthcare markets demands a new breed of leaders, those with cross-cultural competencies and the acumen to traverse regulatory landscapes that vary wildly from one region to another.

Trends of the global healthcare segment

The global healthcare services market grew from $7,499.75 billion in 2022 to $7,975.87 billion in 2023 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.3% (based on the report “Healthcare Services Global Market Report 2023” prepared by Reportlinker.com). The forecast for 2024 is also rather positive, so we expect an increased demand for candidates in all functions, especially biotech, online medicine and hospital management. Regional trends are focused on the relocation of doctors and managers from Asian countries to Europe and the United States, and we see the challenge in adapting them to a new culture and business processes organization, as well as legal support of relocated candidates. Cross-border careers are increasingly attractive for talent, so companies should build an attractive multicultural environment to invite and keep the best leaders and specialists.

Related: Private equity-backed cardiology platforms ramp up hiring, spark competition

Cross-cultural competence: the new executive imperative

As healthcare organizations extend their reach, they encounter a diverse tapestry of cultures, each with its own unique healthcare needs and expectations. Leaders in this space must, therefore, be adept at cross-cultural communication and management. They must possess the sensitivity to understand and respect different perspectives and the skill to align them with the organization’s vision and objectives. Cross-cultural competence is no longer a nice-to-have, but a stringent requirement.

Micheál Coughlan (Europe regional leader of the Life Sciences & Healthcare Practice Group of InterSearch Worldwide) highlights a critical challenge in the globalization of healthcare talent: language barriers.

“Language proficiency is crucial in healthcare, particularly in Europe where the ability to communicate in the local language—whether it be German, French or Hungarian—is essential. Even within English-speaking contexts, diverse accents can lead to significant misunderstandings. This is especially important in healthcare settings, where clear communication between medical professionals and patients is vital,” Coughlan said.

Navigating the regulatory maze

Another significant aspect influenced by globalization is the regulatory environment. With each country’s healthcare system governed by its own set of rules and regulations, executives must be well-versed in multiple regulatory frameworks. They need to ensure compliance, anticipate changes and adapt strategies accordingly.

In Europe, the complexity of the healthcare regulatory environment requires leaders who can skillfully navigate through stringent patient safety and data protection laws, such as the GDPR, and the diverse medical device and pharmaceutical regulations. This landscape demands not just compliance, but a forward-looking approach to anticipate how these regulations may evolve, ensuring organizations remain at the forefront of healthcare innovation while safeguarding patient rights.

“Asia Pacific is richly multi-cultural / diverse, and it stands out for its innovation, collaboration, and unparalleled opportunities. It’s the fastest-growing region in the world and presents a huge opportunity for global enterprises to capitalize on this diverse talent pool. It demands quick adaptation by professionals to understand the varied cultures and languages, human psychology, social behaviors, emerging technologies, etc.,” says Lotika Mahindra, Asia Pacific regional leader of Life Sciences & Healthcare Practice Group of InterSearch Worldwide. “However, the biggest challenge lies in navigating through complex and ever-changing government policies and regulations. And unlike many industries, healthcare services lack unified international standards.”

In the Americas, the regulatory framework presents a varied and dynamic environment, particularly in the United States with its rigorous FDA standards for drug and medical device approvals. In contrast, Latin American countries are focusing on harmonizing regulations to improve healthcare access.

“Leaders in the Americas need a robust understanding of the regulatory differences across the region and the vision to navigate and leverage them, driving innovation in healthcare delivery and access,” adds Rodrigo Donoso, Americas regional leader of Life Sciences & Healthcare Practice Group of InterSearch Worldwide.

The challenge of attracting and retaining top talent

The quest for top talent in healthcare has never been more competitive. With globalization, the battle is now on a global scale. The best and brightest can—and do—work anywhere in the world. Attracting them requires more than a lucrative compensation package; it requires a compelling narrative about the organization’s mission and impact on the world stage.

Retaining this talent is another hurdle. The same qualities that make these leaders so desirable also make them highly sought after by others. Organizations must create environments where these individuals can thrive, innovate and feel a sense of loyalty and purpose.

About InterSearch Worldwide:

InterSearch is a leading international executive search organization, with more than 90 offices in over 50 countries. Since 1989, InterSearch has helped clients access exceptional candidates across the globe. Partner firms are carefully selected for their breadth of knowledge and expertise, resulting in an extensive global network that brings a depth of local experience in each individual key market.