Identify new medical staff leaders through a survey

Precisely at the time that hospitals need engaged medical staff leaders, physician interest in undertaking these endeavors is rapidly waning. In many hospitals, there are simply too few incentives, too little personal satisfaction, and not enough additional time and money to be made to readily induce physicians into leadership and administrative roles. To overcome these barriers to entry, the medical staff organization must have an aggressive and proactive approach to the recruitment of physician leaders.

One way to identify new leaders is to directly ask the medical staff. A written or electronic survey sent to the medical staff is the best approach. A show of hands at a medical staff meeting is rarely useful; a survey, however, can result in more actionable data. You have little to lose and potentially something to gain. Many physicians might feel uncomfortable or embarrassed coming forward in a meeting or in person, but if they are asked the right questions in a formal survey, the results might be much different. And be clear in advance that you are not looking for some overwhelming response from the entire medical staff. Rather, you are seeking out those with a true interest who will complete the survey. And if no one at all answers, you have not gained any ground, but you have not lost any ground either. Here are some easy-to-answer survey questions:

• Have you previously served in any medical staff leadership position?
  • If yes, which ones and when?
• Do you have any interest in learning about medical staff leadership positions?
• Do you have any interest in serving in a medical staff leadership positions?
• Would you be interested in a medical staff leadership education, training, and development program?
• What type of medical staff leadership position might interest you?
• Is there anything else that you would like to share at this time regarding medical staff leadership?

Source: The Medical Staff Leader's Practice Guide: Survival Tips for Navigating Your Leadership Role