6 tips to be a great physician leader

I was recently invited to visit an academic anesthesiology department to speak to the residents about becoming a leader.  In addition to recognizing the honor and privilege of addressing this important topic with the next generation of physician anesthesiologists, I had two other initial thoughts:  1) I must be getting old; and, 2) This isn’t going to be easy. I came up with the following list of lessons that I’ve learned over the years.  While some examples I included are anesthesiology-specific, the lessons themselves are not.  Please feel free to edit, adapt, and add to this list; then disseminate it to the future physician leaders who will one day take our places. 1. First and foremost, be a good doctor.  Always remember that we as physicians take an oath.  In the modern version of the Hippocratic Oath commonly recited at medical school graduations today, we say:  “May I always act so as to preserve the finest traditions of my calling and may I long experience the joy of healing those who seek my help.”  Medicine is, and should always be, a calling.  As a physician anesthesiologist, we care for the most vulnerable of patients — those who under anesthesia cannot care for themselves.  Examples of anesthesiologists and other physicians who do not honor their calling exist in the news and even scientific journals, but we cannot follow this path. 2. Define your identity.  We live in the era of the “provider,” and this sometimes causes role confusio...
Source: Kevin, M.D. - Medical Weblog - Category: Journals (General) Authors: Tags: Physician Hospital Primary care Source Type: blogs