The healthcare industry is one of the largest and fastest-growing industries in the world. The U.S. alone spends trillions of dollars annually on healthcare, with expenditures projected to top $6.2 trillion by 2028.
Medical specialists are at the heart of it all. These skilled providers focus care across numerous disciplines, from pediatrics to podiatry and from orthopedics to ophthalmology.
Patients don’t just choose medical specialists based on their qualifications and expertise, though. Research shows that 85% of people specifically look for a provider who’s compassionate and empathetic. Many are willing to pay out of pocket if it means they can see a doctor they genuinely like and trust.
Patients not only want good care but easy access and meaningful interactions. Research from Bain & Company shows that 65% of healthcare consumers expect a more convenient experience and 70% want more responsiveness from their providers.
The whole experience of finding a provider, scheduling an appointment and meeting with a specialist can be challenging, to say the least. While most Americans (70%) say they’re satisfied with their doctor, only 32% say the same about the healthcare system as a whole. More than half feel the healthcare process is stressful and impersonal, and over 50% say they feel more like a number than a person.
In an era when people feel confused and frustrated about healthcare in general, promotional products can make a powerful impact. Instead of a discussion that ends when patients walk out the door, they can leave with something useful that makes them feel cared for long after their appointment. From branded wellness journals for tracking diet and exercise to logoed massage tools for support between physical therapy sessions, thoughtful promotional products can make it feel like specialists are with patients every step of the way through their treatment, healing or wellness journey.
Medical specialists are increasingly seeing the value of building stronger patient relationships. Many are ramping up their marketing efforts, with U.S. healthcare advertising projected to grow to more than $29 billion by 2028. A portion of that spend will undoubtedly go toward promotional products – the only form of advertising that isn’t just seen, but held, used and remembered.
Using Promo To Inspire Future Specialists
By 2030, the world could face a shortfall of 11 million healthcare workers, according to the World Health Organization. The most in-demand specialists today include family medicine specialists, internists and emergency medicine physicians.
How can promotional products address this need? One idea is to engage high school and college students through STEM programs and career fairs. Promotional items like custom notebooks or doctor-shaped stress relievers can spark curiosity and reinforce the idea that a healthcare career isn’t just possible but very much needed.
Just What The Doctor Ordered: Promo For Awareness Months
Connect with patients all year:
- January: National Glaucoma Awareness Month. Share eye health tips along with logoed lens cloths.
- February: American Heart Month. Heart-shaped stress balls make fun giveaways at community events.
- March: National Nutrition Month. Encourage patients to drink more water with branded infuser bottles.
- April: Occupational Therapy Month. Branded stretch bands let patients continue their recovery from home.
- May: Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Promote sun safety and daily SPF habits with branded sunscreen.
- June: National Cancer Survivors Day (June 1). Custom gifts like cozy blankets or wellness kits can honor survivors’ resilience.
- July: National UV Safety Month. Hand out logoed lip balm and sunglasses for practical summer giveaways.
- August: National Immunization Awareness Month. Give wellness-themed stickers for kids and branded vaccine card holders for adults.
- September: Pain Awareness Month. Help patients find relief at home with items like branded hot/ cold packs.
- October: National Physical Therapy Month. Encourage patients to improve their strength with logoed grip strengtheners or yoga mats.
- November: National Diabetes Awareness Month. Promotional products like activity trackers or water bottles make useful gifts for those managing diabetes.
- December: Crohn’s and Colitis Awareness Week (December 1-7). A custom pill organizer can help patients keep track of their medications.
Promo To Help Specialists Stand Out
Patients today do their homework. Nearly half of healthcare consumers (44%) research providers before even making an appointment, often comparing two or more options before deciding. Just a few years ago, only 20% compared providers.
Promotional products can help specialists of all kinds make a positive first impression on potential patients. From a helpful giveaway at a community event to a useful promo given after a consultation, promotional products reinforce the specialist’s name while leaving potential patients with a sense of care and connection.
Bridging The Wellness Gap
Many people are becoming increasingly invested in their health. More than half of Americans say they prioritize wellness now more than they did a year ago. However, while their motivation is high, they’re not necessarily getting what they need from their medical providers. Only 35% say they’re satisfied with the support they get when it comes to eating healthy, 36% with getting to or maintaining their weight and 37% with managing their mental health.
Medical providers can use promo to address the disconnect in these areas. For example, items like branded portion control containers can help patients stay on track with their goals and reinforce that their provider really cares.
Promo To Strengthen Trust
Medical providers are among the most trusted professions, according to Gallup’s annual poll. Nurses rank at the very top of the list, with 76% of people viewing them highly. Pharmacists and medical doctors also rank highly, with 57% of people holding pharmacists in high regard and 53% saying they have very high trust in doctors. In a field where trust matters so much, small gestures, like a branded calendar for tracking appointments, go a long way at showing patients they’re seen and valued.
Campaign Collateral
Keep a med spa’s brand at clients’ fingertips with the Blissful Emery Board Nail File. The front side features a full-color logo, and its compact size is perfect for stashing in a purse for on-the-go touch-ups.
SnugZ USA / PPAI 112982, Platinum / snugzusa.com
Many medical specialists wear a badge as part of their daily uniform. The Bamboo Badge Holder is a standout with its natural bamboo face, retractable cord and secure button closure.
PCNA / PPAI 113079, Platinum / pcna.com
Women’s health specialists can offer the What To Expect Pregnancy Journal and Organizer to expectant parents. It functions as a journal, diary and organizer, with room for notes, birthing plans, ultrasound photos and more.
The Book Company / PPAI 218850, Standard-Base / thebookco.com
Sports medicine physicians can stay connected to the local community with a branded cap like the Elite Curved Cap. It features a curved brim and double-layer paneling, and its clean look makes it appealing to wear during outdoor activities from hiking to running.
Active Life Promo / PPAI 436753, Standard-Base / activelifepromo.com
A branded polo like the DADE Short Sleeve Performance Polo is perfect for physical therapists who want to look professional and feel comfortable during patient sessions. Its breathable, snag-resistant fabric is ideal for hands-on workdays.
PCNA / PPAI 113079, Platinum / pcna.com
The Mosley Handheld Massage Roller is a helpful tool for people managing muscle or joint pain. It’s designed with an ergonomic bamboo handle and tension-targeting beads. Its compact size makes it easy to enjoy a massage at home, at the gym or on the go.
Logomark / PPAI 110898, Platinum / logomark.com
The Mindful Memos Yoga Cards make a thoughtful giveaway for promoting all kinds of corporate wellness programs, and even rewarding participants. Each branded box contains 52 easy-to follow poses.
Fields Manufacturing / PPAI 111951, Silver / fieldsmfg.com
Sellers is a California-based freelance writer and former associate editor at PPAI.
