One of my first priorities was to develop leadership education and opportunities for our Medical Staff physicians. Initial research revealed that this has not been an area covered in medical school curriculum or Physician CME. In response to this gap, The Joint Commission now requires that leadership development opportunities be available to all medical staffs. As health care delivery changes, clinical decisions will shape care from the bedside to service line administration. In addition to medical knowledge and expertise, physicians will be asked to help lead enhanced:
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Communication
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Teamwork
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Prioritization
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Strategic Planning
In the future it will not just be our patient’s needs but our patients’ needs.
As our political representatives debate health care reform, they often cite clinical integration models like Mayo Clinic and Geisinger for exemplary quality and efficient care. In these models, physicians hold meaningful and accountable positions that affect both clinical and operational decisions. Physicians lead many of these successful organizations. Many experts predict that traditional fee for service reimbursement will be replaced by value based reimbursement. Who better to decide quality and value metrics than physicians? At LGH, over 30 physicians participate in BOT committees where policy is developed and implemented. From medical directorship and department chairs to our governing board, physician leaders will be required to drive our quality and efficiency efforts.
The Evolution of the PLA
A key first step was to collaborate with the LG College, drawing on their expertise in developing leadership programs. Bonnie Knox and Mary Grace Simcox provided valuable insights and guidance. Together, we reviewed nationally recognized programs and best practices. We planned site visits to regionally recognized “Best Practice” programs. From this research we developed a one year pilot program that engaged nationally recognized experts and internal LG leaders to provide instruction from a core curriculum that included:
While content primarily covered health care, we also embraced leadership principles and examples outside of health care, including a battle field tour of Gettysburg and a presentation from the Malcolm Baldrige Award winning corporation Ritz Carlton.
A year ago, twenty three physicians committed to participate in the PLA pilot program. All of our evaluative measures including attendance, satisfaction, and even pre and post course test results indicate this has been a successful endeavor. A final overall evaluation from each member will be crucial in determining improvements for next year’s program.
In early November, The Academy’s first graduation program was held at the Lancaster County Convention Center Tom Beeman, President and CEO of Lancaster General Health and Ms. Diane Oreck, Ritz Carlton, Vice President for Global Learning and Leadership were speakers.
Our next PLA class will begin in January 2010. I believe this is one important way LG Health can add value to our Medical and Dental Staff. If you’re interested in learning more about the PLA, I encourage you to contact Charles T. Castle, M.D., Carl Manelius or me.