As physicians (especially Hospitalists) gain more clinical experience and maturity, a presumably inherent expectation is the engagement in leadership responsibilities within the heathcare system. However this also depends on the individual desire to do so. Althouh I believe that experience is very relevant, an inherent flaw of the system is the natural lack of mentorship and coaching in leadership.
The engagement in leadership roles with no formal training, "learning on the fly" - can be risky nowadays given the enormous complexity of the healthcare systems. However, the key to anything is the ability to communicate effectively, understand the situation, engage and inspire a team and find solutions that were not clearly outlined before tasking the problem. This is how a lot of physicians in leadership positions have gained experience.
Regardless of the individual level of experience, training in leadership is important; there are many styles and many publications on the topic - but the most relevant aspect is to engage this knowledge along with the real life solution of problems. Many colleagues are doing now MBA's, MMM's, MHA's, etc. Some becoming Fellows of healthcare administration societies, etc. And of course, the personal experience contributes to more meaningful engagement in these academic developments.
Along with other colleagues nationally, I have multiple discussions on their own leadership development and tasking unexpected complex challenges. We ended up discussing and outlining what we considered key aspects for leadership development. I want to invite you to read two blog posts that I wrote in Doximity with musings about this training, focusing on two national workshops that have been presented at the Society of Hospital Medicine 2018 and 2019 meetings. A third iteration of the leadership development series will be presented in Las Vegas in 2021 if we are allowed to travel and pending the pandemic behavior. 1) 3 Leadership Essentials for Success in Hospital Medicine: 2) What Does a Leader Need to Survive a Complex Environment?
Leadership development is fundamental but also is the development of a culture based on values of respect, teamwork, excellence and tolerance. I have recently enjoyed a book that actually emphasizes on these topics and focuses on 7 virtues – trust, compassion, courage, justice, wisdom, temperance and hope. This is the book "Exception to the Rule" written by Drs. Peter Rhea, Jamie Stoller and Alan Kolp. A terrific resource which along with emotional intelligence development, provides tremendous assets for a compassionate and effective servant leadership.
I would also like to share a reflection; in leadership in healthcare, the ultimate focus is enhancing clinical outcomes for our patients as well as to promote enhanced population health. A robust healthcare system can have tremendous impact on the financial success and the health of the community it serves to. And this starts with each individual leader. Having the vision of best patient and community outcomes help to outline and support the engagement in personal and professional development to serve in a more effective way.
