Communication, Leadership and Excellence

A Special Thank You to: Dr. David M. Yousem, M.D., M.B.A. Professor, Department of Radiology Vice Chairman of Program Development Director of Neuroradiology Johns Hopkins Hospital for allowing the use of his material/content in this presentation Dr. Yousem’s online lecture series can be viewed at: d=7e18b7d5-9c63-487e-aaf1-77a86f83b011 Dr. Yousem’s project was funded through an RSNA Educational Grant

Career Satisfaction Radiologists generally report moderate to high job satisfaction However, since 1998 the job satisfaction rate in radiology has decreased (as did almost all MD providers) –Declining relationships with referring physicians and administrators –Increasing malpractice litigation –Increasing work volume… decreased reimbursement –Less feeling appreciated by the healthcare system

Career Satisfaction Among physicians, job dissatisfaction is considered the major contributor to stress, burnout, and failed professional and work- related relationships Radiology is a complex system which has evolved to include interaction between radiologists, radiology technologists, administrators, referring physicians, and patients Consistent failure of communication at any of these intersections can result in job dissatisfaction, coworker disagreement, and even malpractice lawsuits

Career Satisfaction Prevents Burnout! Emerging radiologists must actively build skills to improve job satisfaction, relationships, efficiency, and effectiveness –“There is more to life than lifestyle” Hours + effort + salary ≠ lifestyle Finding meaning in your work –Enjoying time with family and friends –Maintain physical health with diet and exercise –Religious/Spiritual health –Mentoring

Basic Communication Skills In a conflict, try to consider the other person’s situation or position –Why is Dr. X frustrated at me?  What does the timeliness of this test mean to her? –Why is my spouse so demanding of me?  What pressure is my family feeling as a result of my after hours research?

Basic Communication Skills Engage in active listening –Seek to understand the other person before planning your response –Summarize the other person’s thoughts before advancing to ensure you have correctly interpreted the message

Team Communication Skills What are each team member’s strengths and weaknesses? What are my own strengths and weaknesses? What are the unique characteristics of the person I am addressing? –Shy? Lazy? Overly critical? –Sub-specialized in the field I’m least familiar with? –Is there a cultural or language barrier?

Team Communication Skills Difficult conversations –the tone of communication (and the whole work environment) can often be established by the leader –attitude: “I am going to persuade you that I am right”  “there are probably elements pertinent to this topic that I don’t know and others that you don’t know… let’s discuss this further” –attitude: “I don’t care why you feel this way”  “why don’t you tell me how you feel about this”

Implement Kaizen Japanese for “improvement” Choose personal and professional improvement over stasis  keep the razor sharp Improve your life balance Believe in yourself, and remind yourself that you believe in yourself

Implement Kaizen Create a written personal mission statement –It should inspire you and mobilize your unique abilities –“To act as if I have nothing to lose, because in reality, there truly is nothing to lose.” –“To learn about and help others as well as myself.”

Prioritize Dr. Steven Covey in “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” emphasizes spending more time in quadrant II Actively focus effort on important tasks even when they’re not pressing (i.e. maintenance of certification, financial planning, creative innovation at your workplace) UrgentNot Urgent ImportantIII Not ImportantIIIIV

Leadership The social process of enlisting others support and effort to accomplish a common task It’s voluntary, you’re not just the “boss” Create a good plan for yourself and for your work Demonstrate effort towards the plan… with consistency and confidence By setting this example for others to emulate, you are disseminating the model, and creating additional leaders

Character Improving character is important to keep priorities in check –Try to shift your focus onto other people  take a vacation from yourself –Find ways to donate your time or possessions for the benefit of others Be respectful and considerate to those you encounter –If this does not come natural at first, tell yourself “I will make an effort to try and make someone smile today” –Try first with a person you don’t know well…

Conclusion There are increasing pressures within the practice of radiology that can lead to dissatisfaction, stress, and poor relationships at work and at home Many budding radiologists are ill-equipped to effectively reduce workplace stress and handle resulting conflicts that present in their interpersonal relationships Recognizing the importance of dynamic self improvement will be vital for the next generation of radiologists to build excellence and leadership skills, both at work and in their interpersonal relationships

References Kelly Horst, BA and Richard B. Gunderman, MD, PhD. “There is More to Life than Lifestyle.” Radiology. March, , Yousem, David, MD, MBA. “Leadership in Radiology.” From the Business of Radiology Series of Online Lectures.