PHYSICIAN LEADERS
to do in the interests of an organization . Such nuggets are not what we might hear in our normal CME courses . experiences . KPLI is also physician-focused and neutral in regard to your practice model . I ’ ve participated in quite a few leadership programs , and this is what makes this one different .
Many of the topics are those that physicians generally might say , “ I wish I knew more about that .” Communication skills are essential to our role as physicians and a big part of the program , as well as an undercurrent of empathy that we all need to connect with our patients . There is training on noticing and effectively working with people within an organization who are catalysts in getting things done . One session discusses the art of telling a story and why it is so important , not just for leaders , but in our daily lives . This is certainly an area that I have been able to use many times in speaking with my patients , peers , the media and legislators .
One AMA President who visited Kentucky years ago said that when spreadsheets come out in meetings , physicians start looking at their phones . And that ’ s a mistake on our part . KPLI has an entire class on how to read a financial statement and why it is important , something most of us never learned in our training .
KMA Executive Vice President Pat Padgett interviews Steven Hester , MD , MBA ,
Senior Vice President and Chief Clinical and Strategy Officer of Norton Healthcare during a 2023 KPLI “ fireside chat .”
My favorite part of the class was spending time in Frankfort learning how to advocate . Many of us want to have an impact in this way , but simply don ’ t know where to begin . That session starts with an overview of the legislative process and an explanation of “ how things work ” in the world of politics . There are even role-playing exercises and meetings with political leaders , including Kentucky Supreme Court justices . That session is eye-opening for many !
Another key feature of the program is the “ fireside chats ” the class gets to have in a relaxed dinner setting with leaders from various walks of life : CEOs , CMOs , political and community leaders , as well as some physicians . Most of them have walked in our shoes and dealt with the day-to-day struggles we have as professionals who are expected to lead , and these individuals impart great tips , candid advice and wisdom . One physician leader noted that “ leadership ” is not managing – it is getting people to do what they may not want
And , of course , one of the most enjoyable aspects of the program is that physicians get to spend time with other physicians , something that occurs far less often than it used to and , frankly , needs to . Getting to know those who practice in other specialties and other parts of the state in various practice settings helps all of us better understand this mammoth complex setup we know as the health care system . The cohorts are small – 10 to 15 people – which allows you to get to know colleagues you might never have met otherwise .
I think about the small class of people who were in my cohort .
A few became CMOs . One sits on the board of a national company . And several are active in organized medicine at some level , whether it be KMA , GLMS or their specialty society . I saw one cohort from a few years ago gathered together informally at last year ’ s KMA Annual Meeting having an impromptu reunion . That ’ s the type of bonds and relationships that are possible through the program .
During a panel discussion a few years ago that was part of one KPLI session , a member of the class said that while she wanted to step up and lead , she was very busy both personally and professionally , and that she wanted to know what to do about that . A physician leader who sat on the panel told her that she could simply be a member of KMA and GLMS , let those leading the organizations work on her behalf , and when she was ready , let them know . That is a great answer to a perplexing issue we all face – time and the lack of it as we all lead busy professional and personal lives . KPLI may not be the right program for you at this time in your life . But at some point , when you may want to step up in administration , run for office or serve on a corporate or charitable board , the skills you will need to succeed are covered in the KPLI program . This year ’ s class is already set , so watch for future opportunities and when the time is right , take the plunge and participate in the KPLI . It will help you become a better leader , a better physician and a more well-rounded person .
For more information on the Kentucky Physicians ’ Leadership Institute , please visit kyfmc . org / leadership /.
Dr . Tailor is a practicing internal medicine physician at Norton Community Medical Associates : Barret .
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