Memorial Day reflection: Honoring the call to service

Memorial Day is a time to reflect on those who have served our country in battle at great personal sacrifice. Although we often think of it as a day for honoring those who died, it is also a day when we honor those who served and survived.  For some, the call to serve is a planned component of their lives. For many, however, the call is something that often results from unanticipated external events to which they respond. Either way, it is something that one does that transcends individual goals and aspirations for a larger purpose.

I don't wish to imply that medical staff service is at the same level as military service, but we do need to recognize that many physicians respond to a call to fulfill the functions of the medical staff. Although a few may have contemplated leadership or service roles as part of their career path, most were recruited, and sometimes conscripted, into service. Whether it is through chairing a department, serving on a committee, or accepting the role of a medical staff officer, their service is vital to the functioning of the medical staff.

Currently, most physicians do this voluntarily without remuneration; however, more medical staffs are choosing to offer medical staff leaders a small amount of compensation. Compensated or not, this service takes them away from other activities, both clinical and personal. Leaders help the medical staff achieve the larger goal of providing the highest level of care to patients and the community. Although it is easy for some medical staff leaders to get caught up in personal agendas, in my work over the previous 10 years as a consultant with The Greeley Company, the vast majority seek to do this service in an honorable way. It is more often their lack of training for their roles that inhibits their understanding and ability to perform, rather than their motives.

Serving a self-governing medical staff is a difficult task and deserves recognition and honor. Outside my window, I hear the drums for the local Memorial Day parade. While I am not suggesting we hold a parade for medical staff leaders, I hope that each of your medical staffs have found ways this year to recognize and honor the commitment and service of those who are participating currently and those who did so in the past. Not only is this the right thing to do for those who have served, but it will hopefully be an encouragement for others to serve in the future.

Robert Marder, MD, CMSL, is vice president of The Greeley Company, a division of HCPro, Inc. in Danvers, MA.