A hallmark
of Permanente Medicine is that physicians determine what is best for
patients in a system of care that is truly team-based and patient-centered.
In this system, is the Permanente physician just another team member?
Not at
all! Although all members of successful health care teams have a strong
sense of participation and influence over their work environment, it
is the physician members of the team who set the pace of the practice
and create the atmosphere for teamwork and patient service for the nonphysician
members of the team. Although the physician team leader is essential,
the contributions of the other team physicians, who lead without titles
["informal leadership"], create an environment that enables
the team to succeed. This is the finding of a focus group study summarized
in the article by Debra Mipos (page 55):
specifically, all physicians on the team are leaders.
Because
this is so important, this edition of The Permanente Journal
introduces a new section--Physicians as Leaders
(page 55), in which we will provide articles on physician leadership
in each edition. This section will be for all physicians, whether or
not they have formal leadership titles. The main contributors will be
experienced Permanente human resource leaders from the Federation and
from the various Permanente Medical Groups.
This new
Physicians as Leaders section will complement the regular evidenced-based
approach articles highlighted in the Clinical Contributions section,
the contributions on Clinician-Patient Communication, and the community
activities highlighted in the External Affairs section. Taken together,
these are all descriptive of Permanente Medicine.
I believe
that you will enjoy this new section and will find the information valuable
in your role as leaders.
Do you
have a story on how leadership skills have enhanced your practice? Let
us hear from you!
