Clinicians are natural leaders. We didn’t get to where we are with advanced degrees and training without being motivated to achieve and excel. Leadership is simply motivating people to act toward achieving a common goal, which is something we all do in patient care. While there are differences in motivating a patient to understand the importance of managing their diabetes and influencing a clinic or inpatient care team, they are very similar in that each requires an understanding of the work, the desired outcome, and a need for alignment. Effective leaders have a vision and possess skills in communication, empathy, integrity, and adaptability, which are also traits found in our most skilled clinicians.
I do recognize that many clinicians are reluctant leaders for many reasons, but mainly because there are only so many hours in each day, and none of us went into medicine to attend meetings all day; each meeting pulls us away from the OR, the procedure room, the clinic or the bedside. But many hands make light work! The more clinicians we can get involved with quality and process improvement activities or other leadership opportunities, the more we can spread the wealth and work together to ensure our voices are heard. As a member of our Medical Staff, you play a critical role in improving patient outcomes and assuring we provide the highest quality care for our patients. Below are just a few ways that you can get more involved, if interested!
Ways to get involved:
1) Participate on a RCA (root cause analysis) or other quality improvement work
2) Consider involvement with one of our Process Improvement Projects (a quick list is attached by department) or start your own! Our Quality team can help you get started!
3) Volunteer as a member of a departmental committee, or to lead a committee
4) Reach out to a Medical Staff Leader you know to get more information
5) Consider Medical Staff Leadership positions or other leadership positions in our organization (reach out to the Medical Staff Office or other Medical Staff leaders for more information)
6) Consider leadership opportunities through our Medical Group or through your employer
Whether you want to get more involved or not, you are an important member of our team. Your contributions to maintaining a respectful, positive environment for our clinicians, caregivers, and patients are valuable and appreciated.
Thank you for all that you do!
