1. Contribute to medical advancement. Physicians who participate in innovative research or publish their findings are notable because they have invested in their field. Dr. Albert says publishing is important for physicians to send their name into the community and network. He also suggests attending and speaking at medical conferences as a way to further reach out to the community. This investment is important for physicians to stay on top of cutting-edge technology with proven results to provide patients with the best relief.
2. Put patients first. Despite busy practices and grueling work days, top physicians devote their attention to each patient in a timely and respectful manner. This means keeping the waiting list short and responding to patient queries as soon as possible. Dr. Albert says physicians should conduct pre-op and post-op educational sessions to make sure the patient is taken care of properly. Top physicians also listen carefully to their patients and help them thoroughly understand each complication and procedure.
3. Gain experience in the field. Physicians who have performed a variety of surgeries on a diverse range of patients are among those who are most equipped to handle a surgical situation. Experienced physicians should have a set methodology to follow in which they know is safe and reproducible, says Dr. Albert. Minimum suggested experience includes 10,000 hours of spine surgery practice and 10-15 years of clinical experience. Additionally, top spine physicians should be board certified and part of the North American Spine Society.
4. Show surgical restraint. While a physician who has recommended and performed a large quantity of surgeries may have experience, the competent and confident surgeon is one who knows the difference between a patient who needs an operation and a patient who can be treated without surgery. Patients who can trust their physicians to recommend the appropriate and most cost-effective treatment know they are receiving advice from an experienced and caring physician.
5. Show compassion. Sought-after physicians are those who make a positive impression on past patients. When discussing treatment options, physicians should try to understand the patient’s pain in order to determine the best treatment. Be sure to include the patient’s family when discussing future options. By bringing others into the discussion, physicians gain support from a larger group.
6. Take responsibility for errors. Everyone makes mistakes; however, it takes an honorable physician to claim responsibility for their errors. Furthermore, a top physician also takes responsibility for their students, residents, or colleague’s mistakes. Integrity is important in gaining respect from patients and colleagues. Physicians can decrease their errors by avoiding over-confidence and arrogance.
7. Become part of a leading team. Dr. Albert suggests motivated physicians practice with others or join a team of established physicians. “[At Rothman Institute] we have worked in a team philosophy and that I think has worked much better,” Dr. Albert says. “A team works so much better than one person alone.”
In addition to Dr. Albert, the following physicians contributed to this story: Terry E. McLean, MD, Gennedy Gekht, MD, Stephen Heim, MD, Larry Teuber, MD, and Kenneth Pettine, MD.
Learn more about Rothman Institute.
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