Ask the expert: Our physicians are busy and hesitant to add another commitment to their schedule. Now they have to add time for FPPE proctoring. How can we schedule this without disrupting their lives too much?

Try to schedule concurrent proctoring at a time that is convenient for the practitioner under review and the proctor. However, when one person must be inconvenienced, place the burden on the individual under review. Often, the proctor is donating his or her time to provide this service, whereas the initial period of observation is an obligation of a new member. The applicant will also understand that the same courtesy will be extended to him or her when she proctors other new practitioners.

Also, when selecting proctors, turn first to those who may have more flexibility, such as a surgical or medical hospitalist, as opposed to private practitioners who would have to leave their busy practices and incur a significant cost opportunity.

This week’s question and answer are from The Complete Guide to FPPE: Strategies for Medical Staff Professionals, Physician Leaders, and Quality Directors by Valerie Handunge, MA; Christina W. Giles, MS, CPMSM; Jonathan H. Burroughs, MD, MBA, FACPE; and Evalynn Buczkowski, RN, BSN, MS.