You’ve probably heard stories from friends, family members, or colleagues who quit a job because of a toxic person - someone who belittles, humiliates, shames, or bullies others. Maybe you’ve even left a job because of such a person. Toxic employees not only take a toll on their coworkers’ emotional psyches but the financial outcomes of their organizations as well. 
In this SoundPractice episode, Cheryl Toth digs into the issue of handling toxic team members and bosses with Mitchell Kusy, PhD., the author of Why I Don’t Work Here Anymore. Kusy is a professor in the Graduate School of Leadership and Change at Antioch University and an international consultant to leadership. He presents research, evidence-based tactics, and concrete examples of how to restore workplace civility and increase financial performance after toxic employees leave an organization. Dr. Kusy’s latest article will appear in the Sep/Oct issue of Physician Leadership Journal; link below.
mitchellkusy@gmail.comwww.mitchellkusy.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-mitch-kusy/
“Six Intentional Ways to Build Teams of Everyday Civility (and Proactively Erode Toxic Behaviors)” Physician Leadership Journal
Why I Don’t Work Here Anymore
 

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Toxic Behaviors in Colleagues and Bosses:  Strategies for Civility in the Workplace

Mitchell Kusy, PhD

Operations and Policy

People Management

Team Building and Teamwork

Develop Relationships

Team Building

Join us for an enlightening episode of SoundPractice featuring Lisa Kern, MD, MPH, a national expert, distinguished professor of medicine, and associate chief for research at Weill Cornell Medicine. In this episode, we explore Kern’s unique career path — from her early fascination with communication as a psychology major at Harvard to her impactful research on healthcare delivery in the United States.

Her journey reveals an enduring commitment to understanding and improving the healthcare system, driven by the impact of external factors like insurance and policy on patient care. This episode not only sheds light on the complexities of the American healthcare system but also underscores the importance of inter-professional collaboration and patient engagement in shaping the future of medicine.

Key Takeaways:

1. Understanding Healthcare Fragmentation: Kern explains the concept of fragmentation, when patients see multiple providers without coordinated care, and the potential harm caused by a lack of coordination.

2. A Patient’s Role in Healthcare Delivery: Fragmentation can lead to communication gaps and poor outcomes, particularly for older adults and minority populations. Kern provides tips for incorporating real-time patient input to enhance care coordination and satisfaction.

3. Inter-Professional Collaboration: Explore proposed policy changes to improve care delivery that focus on value over volume. Kern highlights alternative models for healthcare payment and delivery to better serve patients and reduce provider burnout.

4. The Future of Healthcare Delivery: Identify future challenges and opportunities in healthcare, including the integration of AI. She identifies the importance of ongoing dialogue and proactive measures to shape healthcare to meet the needs and expectations of the American population.

Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that challenges the status quo and explores innovative solutions for a more integrated and effective healthcare system.

Learn more about the American Association for Physician Leadership at https://www.physicianleaders.org/.


Tackling Healthcare Fragmentation: A Conversation with Dr. Lisa Kern

Lisa Kern, MD, MPH

Quality and Risk

Healthcare Process

Quality Improvement

Strategy and Innovation

Environmental Influences

Join us for an enlightening episode of SoundPractice with guest Jennifer Clark, MD, as she delves into the profound topic of suffering in healthcare. As an allopathic physician specializing in internal medicine, pediatrics, hospice, and palliative care, Clark’s journey from the bedside to the boardroom has been dedicated to healing, education, and innovation. Now volunteering as a medical liaison, she fosters a compassionate learning environment for students and professionals interested in community-based end-of-life care. In her forthcoming book, Suffer, she reflects on nearly 25 years of practice and passion to promote well-being.

Tune in as Clark shares her journey from a career in business to medicine, highlighting the importance of finding purpose and meaning in one’s vocation.

Episode Highlights:

- Purpose and Passion: Discover how Clark’s transition from corporate life to medicine was driven by a search for purpose and influenced by her family’s background in healthcare.

- Understanding Suffering: Clark discusses the importance of defining suffering and understanding its impact. She outlines how reframing pity into compassion can aid in the healing process.

- Art and Science in Medicine: Amidst technological and systemic pressures, Clark outlines the seemingly diminishing role of art in medicine. She addresses the disconnect between healthcare systems and the human aspect of medicine, advocating for compassionate care.

- Looking Ahead: Clark shares her optimism about the potential for healthcare professionals to use the understanding of suffering to improve patient care and clinician well-being.

Don’t miss this compelling conversation that explores the intersection of medicine, compassion, and the quest for meaning in healthcare.

Learn more about the American Association for Physician Leadership at https://www.physicianleaders.org/.

The Art of Suffering: A Conversation with Dr. Jennifer Clark

Jennifer K. Clark, MD

Self-Management

Self-Awareness

Resilience

Motivations and Thinking Style

Motivate Others

In this episode of SoundPractice, we welcome Corey M. Cronrath, DO, MPH, MBA, FACOEM, CPE, FAAPL, a triple board-certified physician and fellow of the American Association for Physician Leadership. Cronrath’s journey is a testament to resilience and dedication. From overcoming a challenging socioeconomic background and serving in the military, he has emerged as a prominent physician leader with aspirations for the future.

Cronrath has committed his career to enhancing chronic disease care with a passion for supporting patients with mental illness. With his extensive list of credentials, he provides valuable insights and personal experiences on the optimal timing for physicians to pursue leadership education and certification.

Key Topics:

- Growing in Your Career: Cronrath discusses the importance of post-clinical education and career planning while prioritizing self-reflection. Driven by patient-centered values, he also shares his future goals of transitioning from Chief Medical Officer (CMO) to Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

- Lessons From the Military: Learn from his experience in military healthcare and the valuable lessons he learned through training and service. The unique challenges and learning experiences in the military still shape his approach to civilian healthcare today.

- Embracing Value-Based Care: In his current role at Mental Health Cooperative in Nashville, TN, Cronrath shares his work on implementing and expanding a successful value-based care model in a state that does not participate in Medicaid expansion.

Listen to the Episode: Tune in to this episode on SoundPractice, or subscribe on your favorite podcast platform to stay updated with our latest episodes.

Learn more about the American Association for Physician Leadership at https://www.physicianleaders.org/.


Physician Leadership and Clinical Excellence: Insights from Dr. Corey Cronrath

Corey M. Cronrath, DO, MPH, MBA, CPE, FAAPL

Systems Awareness

Humility

In this insightful episode of SoundPractice, we welcome Heather McGowan, BFA, MBA, a prominent future-of-work strategist, keynote speaker, and bestselling author. With a background in industrial design and extensive expertise in the evolving landscape of work, McGowan is a leading voice on how we can adapt to the future.

Join us as Heather McGowan shares her fascinating journey and insights into the dynamic changes shaping the workforce. From the influence of AI to the pivotal role of leadership in healthcare and beyond, this episode offers a deep dive into what lies ahead.

Key Points:

-Sustainable Leadership
  *Discover the essential traits future healthcare leaders need to foster human connection in a digital world.
  *Learn about the importance of hope and purpose in leadership and how it can significantly enhance team performance.

-Healthcare and Technology
  *Explore the integration of advanced technologies like AI to support and elevate clinician performance.
  *Find the balance between utilizing technology and maintaining human connection to ensure accuracy and efficiency in patient care.

-Ensuring Privacy
  *Understand the fine line between data sharing for innovation and protecting privacy.
  *Recognize the impact of employer surveillance on trust and autonomy in the workplace.

-Resilience and High-Performing Teams:
  *Learn strategies to promote employee well-being and build resilient teams.
  *Discover how reframing loneliness, building strong social connections, and managing failure can positively impact work and patient outcomes.

Learn more about McGowan’s work.

Tune in for an optimistic and forward-thinking discussion that will equip you with strategies to navigate and thrive in the ever-changing world of work.

Learn more about the American Association for Physician Leadership.


The Future of Work with Heather McGowan

Heather McGowan, BFA, MBA

Comfort with Visibility

Problem Solving

Critical Appraisal Skills

Episode Summary: In this episode of SoundPractice, host Mike Sacopulos sits down with Mark Katlic, MD, the chair emeritus of surgery for LifeBridge Health System in Baltimore, Maryland. Katlic opens up about his illustrious career, the creation of the Aging Surgeon Program, and the essential topic of maintaining surgical competence as surgeons age.

The Aging Surgeon Program:

The program addresses the critical issue of age-related competency in the surgical field. It offers a comprehensive and unbiased evaluation that assesses the physical and cognitive functions of surgeons over the age of 70. Aimed to ensure the ongoing safety and proficiency of aging surgeons, it identifies treatable or reversible conditions that, if addressed, could enhance their functional capacity. By fostering a culture of self-regulation within multidisciplinary surgical teams, the program helps maintain public trust in the healthcare system.

Key Points:

- The necessity of avoiding a mandatory retirement age, as individual capabilities can vary widely.

- The role of strict confidentiality protocols in identifying and addressing issues that might affect a surgeon’s performance.

- Potential solutions that modify work conditions, allowing experienced surgeons to continue contributing without compromising safety or forcing retirement.

About Mark Katlic, MD: Katlic pursued education at Washington and Jefferson College, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, and Massachusetts General Hospital. His extensive career spans private practice, general and thoracic surgery, and academic positions at Geisinger Health System and LifeBridge Health System.

Tune in to this insightful episode to learn how the Aging Surgeon Program is making a difference in the surgical community.

Learn more about the American Association for Physician Leadership.

Surgical Competence and the Aging Surgeon Program with Dr. Mark Katlic

Mark Katlic, MD

Overview: In this episode, Mike Sacopulos interviews Naakesh Dewan, MD, CPE, DLFAPA, FASAM, a certified physician executive and internationally recognized expert in healthcare quality and digital innovations. Dewan shares his journey from collegiate athlete to physician executive and discusses the parallels between high performance in sports and medicine.

Key Topics:

1. Physicians versus Professional Athletes: Dewan compares physicians to world-class cognitive athletes and discusses how sports techniques can influence medical practice and leadership, emphasizing the importance of mental health and well-being in both fields.

2. Well-Being and Burnout: Both physicians and athletes must manage purpose, satisfaction, adaptability, and control to maintain their well-being. Dewan addresses the root causes of physician burnout and offers individual-level strategies for tackling it.

3. Role of Organizations and Leaders: Healthcare leaders have a responsibility to create supportive work environments to reduce the impact burnout has on physicians and regulatory and productive aspects of the organization.

4. Lessons in Leadership and High Performance: Setting ambitious goals and adapting to challenges are crucial. Dewan highlights the importance of learning from others and maintaining mutual accountability within support systems.

Takeaway: High performance in sports and medicine requires a balance of technical skills, mental resilience, and well-being. As healthcare leaders, we must create environments that support physicians' well-being, prioritize self-care, and foster peer-to-peer support. By building trust and addressing burnout, we can maintain positive and effective practices.

Learn more about the American Association for Physician Leadership.

World Class Athletes and Physician Leaders: Same or Different? With Dr. Naakesh Dewan

Naakesh Dewan, MD, CPE, DLFAPA, FASAM

Professional Capabilities

Influence

Accountability

Toxic Behaviors in Colleagues and Bosses: Strategies for Civility in the Workplace

RECENT EPISODES

Tackling Healthcare Fragmentation: A Conversation with Dr. Lisa Kern

The Art of Suffering: A Conversation with Dr. Jennifer Clark

Physician Leadership and Clinical Excellence: Insights from Dr. Corey Cronrath

The Future of Work with Heather McGowan

Surgical Competence and the Aging Surgeon Program with Dr. Mark Katlic

World Class Athletes and Physician Leaders: Same or Different? With Dr. Naakesh Dewan

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