18 Years with Whitman Partners: How Josiah Whitman’s Vision is Empowering Healthcare Leaders
By: Josiah Whitman, CEO
This fall marks an incredible milestone—18 years since I started Whitman Partners. Nearly two decades ago, I was a general reader interested in finance and tech, with no particular focus on healthcare or surgical services. That all changed when I began connecting with the people behind the work: the healthcare specialists we place and the leaders of the systems who need them. Today, I’m deeply invested in this industry and find surgical services absolutely fascinating.
When I launched Whitman Partners, my vision was to be a trusted advisor to clients—a partner as dependable as their attorney or CPA. That desire to provide unmatched value and insight has shaped every step of my journey. It also inspired our unique approach to serving Directors of Surgical Services: treating them like celebrities. These leaders are often the unsung heroes of healthcare, and we’ve built our company around elevating their careers and ensuring they feel valued.
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Change
The road hasn’t always been easy. The Covid-19 pandemic was a pivotal moment that tested our resilience as a company. Like many others, we faced complex challenges: transitioning to remote work, managing staff shortages, and supporting burned-out healthcare professionals. At the same time, we saw ambulatory surgery centers close and hospital systems face unprecedented pressures. Navigating these obstacles required a steady focus on our mission and the ability to adapt to rapid changes.
Despite the hurdles, these experiences deepened my appreciation for the work we do and for the incredible resilience of the healthcare leaders we serve. Their ability to persevere and thrive motivates us every day.
Looking Ahead: Addressing Systemic Imbalances
As I reflect on the future, I see immense opportunities to make a meaningful impact. Directors of Surgical Services oversee 80% of staff but make up just 20% of the C-suite. This imbalance represents a missed opportunity for healthcare organizations, and I’m committed to helping these leaders advance their careers. By advocating for their growth and success, we can strengthen the entire surgical services ecosystem.
This vision fuels my passion for the work we do at Whitman Partners. It’s not just about placing candidates in roles—it’s about empowering them to excel and drive meaningful change in healthcare.
A Personal Reminder to Adapt and Grow
On a personal note, I’ve recently transitioned from tennis to pickleball. A shoulder injury made overhand serves painful, but pickleball’s underhand serve has allowed me to stay active and competitive. This small change serves as a reminder: adapting to challenges often opens new doors for growth and opportunity.
That same principle applies to the work we do every day. Whether it’s adapting to a rapidly changing healthcare landscape or finding innovative ways to serve our clients, the ability to embrace change is essential to creating lasting impact.
18 Years and Counting
Eighteen years in, I’m as energized as ever by the work we do at Whitman Partners. Supporting Directors of Surgical Services, empowering healthcare leaders, and building lasting relationships remains at the heart of our mission. Here’s to many more years of growth, resilience, and making a difference in the healthcare community.
If you’re interested in learning more about what we do—or if you’re a healthcare leader looking for your next opportunity—we’d love to connect.
