Physician Leadership

You know how to practice medicine. Now learn how to lead with this insightful resource from one of medicine’s most accomplished leaders.

In Physician Leadership, renowned medical leader Dr. Karen J. Nichols delivers a concise guide for busy physicians doing their best to successfully lead people and organizations. The book covers foundational leadership essentials that every physician needs to master to transform themselves from a highly motivated novice leader into an effective, skilled, and productive leader.

Each chapter offers readers a summary of the crucial points found within, sample questions, exercises, and a bibliography of the relevant academic literature for further study. Ideal for doctors who don’t have the time to peruse an unwieldy collection of the latest research and thought on organizational leadership, or to take a multi-day course on effective leadership, Physician Leadership distills the author’s extensive research and personal experience into a short and practical handbook.

Physician Leadership provides actionable, real-world advice for practicing and aspiring physicians:

• A thorough introduction to personal approach and style when interacting with patients, managers, boards, and committees
• An exploration of how to employ the principles of effective communication to achieve desired results and practical techniques for implementing those principles
• Practical discussions of the role that perspectives play in shaping an organization’s culture and how those perspectives affect leadership efficacy
• In-depth examinations of approaches to decision-making that get buy-in from others and achieve results

Perfect for doctors stepping into a leadership role for the first time, Physician Leadership also belongs on the bookshelves of experienced physician leaders seeking to improve their leadership abilities and improve the results of their organizations.

Foreword xix

Introduction: Best Practice in Medicine and Leadership Are Not Always the Same 1

Chapter One Know Yourself! Why Does That Matter? 13

Appendix Reflection Exercise 21

Chapter Two Communication 25

Chapter Three Techniques of Communication 41

Chapter Four Perspective 53

Chapter Five Decision-Making That Works 67

Chapter Six Decision-Making That Doesn’t Work, and Why 87

Chapter Seven Character and Ethics 103

Chapter Eight Relationships and Team Building 117

Chapter Nine Principles of Negotiations 137

Chapter Ten Conflict Management 149

Chapter Eleven Persuasion 165

Chapter Twelve Managing Change 175

Chapter Thirtheen Meeting Dynamics 185

Chapter Fourteen The Physician Leader as the Whole Person: Facing Discrimination 197

Chapter Fifteen The Big Picture in Summary 209

Acknowledgments 211

About the Author 215

Index 217

KAREN J. NICHOLS, DO, has extensive leadership experience from private practice to being the academic dean of a college of osteopathic medicine, to serving as president of city, state, and national medical organizations. She lectures nationally and internationally on the topics of physician leadership and women leaders in medicine.

You know how to practice medicine. Now learn how to lead with this insightful resource from one of medicine’s most accomplished leaders.

In Physician Leadership, renowned medical leader Dr. Karen J. Nichols delivers a concise guide for busy physicians doing their best to successfully lead people and organizations. The book covers foundational leadership essentials that every physician needs to master to transform themselves from a highly motivated novice leader into an effective, skilled, and productive leader.

Each chapter offers readers a summary of the crucial points found within, sample questions, exercises, and a bibliography of the relevant academic literature for further study. Ideal for doctors who don’t have the time to peruse an unwieldy collection of the latest research and thought on organizational leadership, or to take a multi-day course on effective leadership, Physician Leadership distills the author’s extensive research and personal experience into a short and practical handbook.

Physician Leadership provides actionable, real-world advice for practicing and aspiring physicians:

• A thorough introduction to personal approach and style when interacting with patients, managers, boards, and committees
• An exploration of how to employ the principles of effective communication to achieve desired results and practical techniques for implementing those principles
• Practical discussions of the role that perspectives play in shaping an organization’s culture and how those perspectives affect leadership efficacy
• In-depth examinations of approaches to decision-making that get buy-in from others and achieve results

Perfect for doctors stepping into a leadership role for the first time, Physician Leadership also belongs on the bookshelves of experienced physician leaders seeking to improve their leadership abilities and improve the results of their organizations.

Praise for Physician Leadership

“Leadership in healthcare is not a ‘lifetime achievement award,’ but is, in truth, the set of learned knowledge and applied skills with which a leader inspires others to achieve what they believe is beyond their reach. Physician Leadership is well organized and thoughtfully annotated and will provide a useful framework to build a practical leadership foundation for those on a lifelong leadership journey, as related by one of the most respected leaders in our field.”

—JEFFREY P. GOLD, MD, Chancellor, University of Nebraska Medical Center

“I heard Dr. Nichols’ voice as I read this—kind and wise. She is an uber-mentor and friend to our profession. We need her voice now more than ever.”

—CHRISTIAN T. CABLE, MD, MHPE, FACP, FACOI, Director of Graduate Medical Education, Baylor Scott & White Health, Temple, TX

“To call Dr. Nichols a trailblazer would be a gross understatement. In this book, she ‘pays it forward’ with lessons and advice that will guide the aspiring physician leader on a path to success. I highly recommend this well referenced work to all such physicians.”

—BOYD BUSER, DO, FACOFP dist., Past President, American Osteopathic Association, Clinical Professor, University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine

“Karen Nichols, DO, presents a refreshing, practical, realistic, engaging, and personal guide on becoming an effective physician leader. She challenges the assumption that physician clinical expertise is synonymous with, and easily transferable to, ‘effective’ physician leadership. A must-read.”

—BARBARA ROSS-LEE, DO, MA, FACOFP, President-elect, American Osteopathic Foundation

“This book, with its practical, conversational style, will guide you through the steps of knowing your own leadership strengths and areas in need of further growth. It will help you develop the skills you will need to succeed.”

—JESSICA L. BIENSTOCK, MD, MPH, Professor, Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education / Designated Institutional Official, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine

“Here’s the book we’ve been waiting for. All the steps needed to take you from being a great physician to a great physician leader, from a true expert in the field. Dr. Nichols has created a roadmap to success that is worth your read.”

—MARGARET A. WILSON, DO, Chair, AACOM Board of Deans, Dean, Professor, Department of Family Medicine, Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, A.T. Still University