In this podcast episode, Mike Sacopulos interviews Laura Hills, D.A.  Dr. Hills is well known for her programs, books, and articles, and notably, has been the staff development columnist for The Journal of Medical Practice Management since 1998.  Her newest book is, The Problem Employee:  How to Manage the Employees No One Wants to Manage.Dr. Hills says, “Wouldn’t it be great if you never had a problem employee? But we must be realistic. If human beings are involved, there will be problems.” Many healthcare executives find the task of managing problem employees to be challenging, time-consuming, and a vexing test of their leadership ability and patience.  As you will hear in this interview, Laura Hills describes the choices that healthcare leaders must make:  To respond emotionally to the problem employee, or to respond strategically.Designed specifically for healthcare executives, The Problem Employee, presents complete, clear, how-to-do-it strategies for managing problem employees and delves into 17 of the most challenging and diabolical problem employees that healthcare leaders are likely to encounter. This is the book healthcare executives will need whether they find themselves supervising a toxic, untrustworthy, pessimistic, burned out, lazy, overworked, cliquish, or childish employee -- or whether they manage a prima donna, a drama queen, a bully, a gossip, or even a slob.LHills@bluepencilinstitute.com www.bluepencilinstitute.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-laura-hills-7362b410/https://twitter.com/DrLauraHillsLearn more about the American Association for Physician Leadership at www.physicianleaders.orghttps://doi.org/10.55834/sp.5095702294

Peter Hotez MD Ph.D. is professor of pediatrics and molecular virology at Baylor College of Medicine, where he is also co-director of the Texas Children’s Center for Vaccine Development and Endowed Chair in Tropical Pediatrics. He is a vaccine scientist who led the development of vaccines to prevent and treat neglected tropical diseases and coronavirus infections.Mike Sacopulos interviews Dr. Hotez on his recommendations as we emerge from the COVID-19 “Eye of the Storm,” a discussion on emerging variants and vaccine development status, and the critical situation of vaccine hesitancy among physicians and healthcare workers.  He also registers an alarm on the disparities of the vaccine rollout – both in vaccine hesitancy and vaccine unavailability in minority groups.  He goes on to describe the targeting of minority groups by anti-vaccine messaging and the role of social media (and other organizations) in that effort.Finally, Peter Hotez provides talking points for physician leaders on understanding their role during this pandemic, the importance of recognizing the enormous pressures that physicians and healthcare workers are facing – emotional, mental, and physical – and how physician executives and leaders can help. https://jhupbooks.press.jhu.edu/title/preventing-next-pandemichotez@bcm.edu@PeterHotezLearn more about the American Association for Physician Leadership at www.physicianleaders.orghttps://doi.org/10.55834/sp.3124762692

Susan Quirk is a Managing Director with Three-Sixty Advisory Group and has more than 25-years of experience partnering across healthcare organizations to improve key metrics by overcoming a myriad of issues related to engagement, productivity, recruitment, retention, and patient experience from the C-suite to the front line. In this practical podcast interview, Susan Quirk flags the most common mistakes that organizations make when onboarding (or not onboarding) physicians, the importance of fit of the physician in both company structure and strategy, the list of reasons why physicians leave organizations, and the importance of peer mentors.  Her formula to minimize the involuntary turnover of physicians is important for all physician leaders to hear.Susan Quirk is Managing Director at Three - Sixty Advisory Groupsquirk@360ag.comLearn more about the American Association for Physician Leadership at www.physicianleaders.orghttps://doi.org/10.55834/sp.9095058078

Michael T. Osterholm, PhD, MPH is an epidemiologist and Director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy (CIDRAP) at The University of Minnesota. One of the most sought-out experts on the pandemic, and a member of the COVID-19 Transition Advisory Board set up by Joe Biden, Dr. Osterholm has accurately predicted the trajectory of the novel virus.  In this 30-minute episode, Mike Sacopulos interviews Dr. Osterholm on his perspective of the next three months and what leaders in health systems will encounter, the status on the highly mutated variant strains already being seen in other countries, and efficacy of the existing vaccines on the variant strains.  He also explains the “moon shot” of the COVID-19 vaccine development, field trials, approval process through the FDA, and manufacturing, all happening simultaneously.Physician leaders need to consider the knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs of physicians and healthcare workers as they make suggestions to slow the transmission of the virus in our communities. Ongoing prevention and vaccines, including reassurance that no short cuts or skipped steps were taken in the of “Project Warp Speed” is crucial messaging to combat the 30%-40% of healthcare workers hesitant to be vaccinated.Lastly, Osterholm discusses the “Fauci Effect” and the spike in interest in medical school and health careers in public health and epidemiology, inspired by front-line health workers. https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/podcasts-webinarshttps://www.cidrap.umn.edu/about-us/cidrap-staff/michael-t-osterholm-phd-mphLearn more about the American Association for Physician Leadership at www.physicianleaders.orghttps://doi.org/10.55834/sp.7031704730

Most physicians follow or supplement their clinical practice with physician leadership roles, and wind down their careers by scaling back to part time executives or clinical consultants before official retirement. Richard Afable, MD, MPH, FACP, suggests an alternative. After retiring from CEO and executive roles at several large health systems, Dr. Afable now advocates for community wellbeing and the development of others as the President and Board Chair of BeWellOC in Orange County. In this episode, we interview Dr. Afable about how physicians can (and should) plan for a type of “third career” - one that focuses on significance and service. He also shares concepts that physicians can consider as they work towards a retirement plan. Richard Afable, MD, MPH, FACPPresident and Board Chair, Be Well Orange County, www.bewelloc.orghttps://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-afable-m-d-mph-84722b162/https://doi.org/10.55834/sp.8634970792

How can physician leaders be more inclusive? How can they make sure all voices are heard? We talk with Teresa Malcolm, MD, FACOG, MBA, CPE, CPXP, physician development coach and American Association for Physician Leadership (AAPL) board member, about what inclusive leadership means, how it relates to diversity and equity, and how physicians can integrate inclusivity into their teams and organizations. Dr. Malcolm shares her insights for developing self-awareness about individual beliefs and strengths and having effective conversations with coworkers. Tune in to hear Dr. Malcolm’s formula for sharing feedback, while ensuring respect and trust. The Physician Leadership Journal (PLJ) cover story, “Enrich Your Team, Create the Future:  Incorporating Diversity and Inclusion Into Your Hiring Practices” HEREDr. Malcolm references this book in the podcast episode:  What If I Say the Wrong Thing? (25 Habits for Culturally Effective People) by Verna Myers Teresa Malcolm, MD, FACOG, MBA, CPE, CPXPFounder & CEO of Master Physician Leaderswww.mastermdleaders.comhttps://doi.org/10.55834/sp.5431883008

Patty Fahy, MD is an Internist with an expertise in physician leadership and a mission of creating strong cultures for healthcare organizations. Patty is the host of “Licensed to Lead” podcast.  In this fascinating episode, Dr. Patty Fahy offers ideas for identifying, hiring, and retaining exceptional physicians. Dr. Fahy also offers advice on improving healthcare entities’ corporate cultures. She provides very specific information around hiring physicians, the critical process of checking references, improving workplace culture, and working (or not working) with narcissists. Patty Fahy, MDFahy Consultingwww.fahyconsulting.comhttp://www.physicianleaders.org/articles/how-avoid-hiring-narcissist-toxic-hire-will-hurt-your-team-and-your-leadership-credibilityhttps://doi.org/10.55834/sp.7772389760

Marc Ringel, M.D. is an author, educator, and technology consultant, focusing on the intersection of healthcare and technology. As the author of “Digital Healing: People, Information, Healthcare,” he joins Mike Sacopulos in a thoughtful, measured, and intelligent discussion on the cutting edge of technology’s application to healthcare.  https://marcringelmd.comhttps://doi.org/10.55834/sp.9424890039

What current trends will alter the course of healthcare in the next decade?Business Professor, Mauro Guillen, is the author of the Wall Street Journal bestselling book, “2030:  How Today’s Biggest Trends Will Collide and Reshape the Future of Everything.”Prof. Guillen examines the global trends of an aging population, the rise of women millionaires, robotics and AI in healthcare, and discretionary spending vis-à-vis healthcare spending in Europe and North America.  His predictions and suggestions for the future are important for our SoundPractice listeners.  Hear his focus on medicine and suggestions for physician leaders and his projections for the changing face of leadership by 2030.http://www.mauroguillen.comhttps://doi.org/10.55834/sp.9013636498

Cheryl Toth interviews Dr. Patricia A. Gabow, former CEO of Denver Health and author of the new book, TIME'S NOW for Women Healthcare Leaders:  A Guide for the Journey.  Covering topics such as pay and gender equality, leveling the playing field, societal barriers, bias and sexual harassment in an organization’s culture that doesn’t welcome women in leadership roles – this inspiring SoundPractice episode focuses on the lessons learned by Dr. Gabow, and is accompanied by her treasure trove of suggestions for creating a path to leadership.  Hear Gabow’s philosophy of the benefit of having mentors and sponsors in an organization, the necessary alignment of strengths, values, and skills to achieve personal fulfillment as well as business success, and how women can, “Lead from where you are” to craft a personal path to leadership.   Patricia A. Gabow, MD, MACP, is formerly the CEO of Denver Health and Professor Emerita University of Colorado School of Medicine. patriciagabow@gmail.com Order your print copy here:  https://www.routledge.com/TIMES-NOW-for-Women-Healthcare-Leaders-A-Guide-for-the-Journey/Gabow/p/book/9781138365582 Order your eBook copy here:  https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/9780429430671https://doi.org/10.55834/sp.5953260549

2020 is a challenging year for healthcare leaders. How do you continue to achieve strategic goals when a pandemic turns clinical operations upside down and rocks your financial foundation? Where do new initiatives fit in? And how do you inspire your team to keep going? Hear how Alan Kaplan, MD, CEO of UW Health has led his team through COVID-19 challenges, and how he’s planning for the future. Dr. Kaplan shares pragmatic wisdom about how to achieve strategic goals and maintain initiatives that serve the community, while simultaneously dealing with the realities of a pandemic. Alan Kaplan’s Physician Leadership Journal article series, “Climbing the Ladder to CEO”Dr. Kaplan’s PLJ serieshttps://doi.org/10.55834/sp.9536312276

These times of pandemic have exacerbated the long-standing problem of physician burnout.  On this episode of SoundPractice we will speak with Humayun “Hank” Chaudhry, DO, MS, MACP, FRCP, MACOI, President and CEO of the Federation of State Medical Boards.  In addition to physician burnout, Dr. Chaudhry discusses continuing medical education, the Interstate Medical Licensing Compact, and highlights of the 2021 agenda for the FSMB.  Dr. Chaudhry’s practical information and presentation style make this a standout episode of SoundPractice.Humayun “Hank” Chaudhry, DO, MACP, MACOIPresident and CEOhchaudhry@fsmb.orghttps://www.fsmb.org/siteassets/advocacy/publications/fsmb-current-annual-report.pdfhttps://doi.org/10.55834/sp.2766711627

Jennifer O’Brien has spent her career working in healthcare and managing medical practices.  Life took an unexpected turn when her husband, a palliative care physician, was diagnosed with a terminal illness.  She documented her journey through art and ultimately via a book, “The Hospice Doctor’s Widow.”  Jennifer O’Brien’s unique perspective on healthcare, end-of-life experiences, and caregiving frame this episode of SoundPractice.  Whether a patient, a cousin’s spouse, a co-worker, we all know someone carrying for a terminally ill relative.  Jennifer O’Brien offers sage advice to those caregivers and she also provides guidance for physician leaders on how they can be examples in the community.   Join us for this important episode of SoundPractice.Jennifer O’Brien may be reached at: https://www.hospicedrswidow.com/contacthttps://www.etaliapress.com/new-products/the-hospice-doctors-widow-a-journalThe following persons/organizations were referenced by Ms. O’Brien in the interview:Rebel Health's Archangels: rebelhealth.usJessica Zitter, MD wrote Extreme Measures__: jessicazitter.comThe National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization: nhpco.orghttps://doi.org/10.55834/sp.8073004344

Whether it’s a natural disaster, a data breach, the loss of a key physician, or COVID-19, a crisis presents an unsettling circumstance to any leader. Crisis management is a “evergreen” topic for physician leaders. Always preparing for (and learning from) a crisis presents an opportunity for leaders to thrive. Successful physician leaders prepare their teams, put communications in place, and shore up their systems to manage the situation at hand.In this SoundPractice episode, we talk with Max Reibolt, CPA, president and CEO of The Coker Group, about the characteristics, communication skills, and organizational support leaders need during a crisis. Max shares examples from his many decades of healthcare leadership and consulting.www.cokergroup.comhttps://doi.org/10.55834/sp.8394270730

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 JournalWhy I Don’t Work Here Anymorehttps://doi.org/10.55834/sp.5591852572