Overcoming physician apathy
A common lament heard from medical staffs across the country is that 80% of the medical staff’s work is done by 20% (or these days even less) of the physicians. It probably has always been that way, but the problem has been accentuated in recent years. The regulatory, accreditation, and financial demands on hospitals have exponentially increased. In many cases, these are challenges that require active and ongoing input from physicians. But precisely at the time that hospitals need engaged medical staff leaders, interest in undertaking these endeavors by physicians is rapidly waning. In many hospitals, there are simply too few incentives, too little personal satisfaction, and not enough spare time and extra 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.
Tip: Invite potential leaders to attend medical executive committee (MEC) meetings
An invitation can be extended to a potential leader to be an observer or guest at the MEC meeting, particularly if issues of significant importance are on the agenda. The caveat is that these meetings need to be very well run to show physicians the importance of addressing issues efficiently and effectively. Poor meeting attendance has often been attributed to the physician’s perception that there are too many meetings and they are a waste of time where nothing is accomplished or decided. Effective meeting management is the result of a skillful blending of diplomacy and proven management skills and techniques that result in some very effective meeting “rules.”