Here are five key notes:
1. Doctors are trained to care for patients and want to lead, but most don’t know how to lead highly effective teams. In their medical education they’re not taught to build teams and develop interpersonal relationships which are crucial when working with other professionals.
2. Most physicians have confidence and are competent practitioners, but leadership also requires tact, empathy and humility in addition to communication skills, which some physicians lack. However, these skills can be trained.
3. As the leader in the operating room, many physicians have confidence in their responses; they “always have the right answer, the right diagnosis, the right approach and the right prescription” for any patient. But there often isn’t one clear right answer in developing legislation or tackling leadership issues. Creative problem-solving is a mindset switch.
4. The best leaders are able to:
• Analyze human dynamics
• Communicate with patients
• Engage teams
• Build consensus
• Communicate vision
• Influence others to achieve goals
Physicians who aren’t strong in this area can build these competencies with the right courses and education.
5. Since physicians are on the front lines of patient care their voice is critical in leading healthcare institutions. Thinking strategically will help physicians relate better to others on the leadership team and ultimately have a positive impact.
More articles on healthcare:
Nobilis Health creates bundled payment initiative: 5 key insights
Cascade Surgicenter launches total hip, knee replacement program: 5 notes
Medical errors rank as 3rd leading cause of death—5 insights into reporting issues
