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Dr. Oscar Joe Hines, Chair, Executive Director, and Professor of the Department of Surgery at UCLA, shares his remarkable journey in surgery, from early inspirations to becoming a nationally recognized leader in the field. In this episode, Dr. Hines discusses the qualities essential for leadership in surgery, including emotional intelligence, time management, and the ability to balance professional and personal responsibilities. Drawing on his extensive experience, he highlights the unique advantages of staying at one institution versus moving for career growth, the importance of listening to diverse perspectives, and making timely decisions as a leader. Dr. Hines offers invaluable advice for aspiring surgeons, emphasizing the need for vision, kindness, and structured approaches to leadership while advocating for the growth and success of their teams.

Takeaways

• Dr. Hines was inspired to pursue surgery due to its combination of immediate solutions and the need for extensive medical knowledge.
• Leadership roles in surgery can significantly alter one's career trajectory and provide opportunities for personal growth.
• Time management and scheduling are crucial for balancing professional and personal life.
• Staying at one institution can offer unique advantages, but moving can also provide personal and career growth.
• Emotional intelligence is essential for effective leadership, especially in high-stakes environments like surgery.
• Listening to diverse opinions is important, but leaders must also make timely decisions.
• Learning from mistakes and having a structured approach to leadership can enhance team dynamics.
• Leadership in surgery requires vision, kindness, and the ability to advocate for team members.
• Patience and attention to all aspects of a career are vital for aspiring leaders.

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Dr. Amir Ghaferi, Professor of Surgery & Senior Associate Dean for Clinical Affairs at the Medical College of Wisconsin, and President & CEO of Physician Enterprise Froedtert & Medical College of Wisconsin, shares his experience establishing a bariatric surgery program at the VA, and how leadership roles have shaped his career. He dives into his research on quality and surgical care, highlighting the importance of fostering high-reliability systems in healthcare. Additionally, Dr. Ghaferi provides insights into the financial side of surgery, explaining revenue models like the dollar-per-RVU approach, tracking performance against budgets, and the value of a team-based approach to financial planning. The conversation concludes with advice for aspiring leaders, emphasizing emotional intelligence, adaptability, and the courage to embrace new opportunities.

Takeaways

• Dr. Ghaferi's journey highlights the importance of adaptability in career paths.
• Establishing a new program requires both passion and perseverance.
• Building coalitions is essential for successful healthcare initiatives.
• Leadership roles can significantly shape one's career trajectory.
• Research in health services can bridge gaps in surgical care.
• A culture of high reliability is vital for improving patient outcomes.
• Budgeting is a critical skill for surgical department management.
• Collaboration among healthcare teams is key to effective patient care.
• Budgeting is a collaborative effort involving multiple expertise.
• Budgeting is more of an art than a science.
• Tracking performance requires understanding the story behind the data.
• Re-forecasting budgets is essential for accuracy.
• Emotional intelligence is key for future surgical leaders.
• Leaders should embrace opportunities and challenges.
• Saying yes more than no can lead to personal growth.

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Dr. Bruce Perler, the Julius H. Jacobson II Professor and Vice Chair Emeritus for Clinical Operations and Financial Affairs in the Department of Surgery at the Johns Hopkins Hospital and School of Medicine, shares his journey from a middle-class upbringing to becoming a prominent figure in vascular surgery and academic leadership. With insights into his surgical training, mentorship from figures like Dr. David Sabiston, and his experiences at Johns Hopkins, Dr. Perler discusses how passion, strong mentorship, and relationship-building have shaped his approach to leadership. He reflects on the essential role of financial management in healthcare and the importance of clinician-administrator collaboration, offering valuable advice for aspiring leaders. His journey is a testament to dedication, resilience, and a commitment to advancing the field.

Takeaways

• Dr. Perler's upbringing instilled a strong work ethic.
• Mentorship plays a crucial role in surgical training.
• The importance of teaching and engaging with students.
• Building relationships with colleagues is vital for success.
• Transitioning to academic surgery can be serendipitous.
• Internal candidates face unique challenges in leadership roles.
• Changing institutions can facilitate career advancement.
• Understanding the business side of medicine is essential.
• Collaboration between clinicians and administrators is key.
• Passion for one's work leads to fulfillment and success.