Most physicians follow or supplement their clinical practice with physician leadership roles, and wind down their careers by scaling back to part time executives or clinical consultants before official retirement. Richard Afable, MD, MPH, FACP, suggests an alternative. After retiring from CEO and executive roles at several large health systems, Dr. Afable now advocates for community wellbeing and the development of others as the President and Board Chair of BeWellOC in Orange County. In this episode, we interview Dr. Afable about how physicians can (and should) plan for a type of “third career” - one that focuses on significance and service. He also shares concepts that physicians can consider as they work towards a retirement plan. 
 
Richard Afable, MD, MPH, FACP
President and Board Chair, Be Well Orange County, www.bewelloc.org
https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-afable-m-d-mph-84722b162/
 

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An Alternative to Traditional Retirement: Considerations for Physicians

Richard Afable, MD, MPH, FACP

Self-Management

Self-Awareness

Motivations and Thinking Style

Adaptability

Episode Overview: Host Mike Sacopulos interviews Hanah Polotsky, MD, MBOE, and Lisa Williams on the intersection of healthcare, leadership, and innovation explored in their book Physician Leader: How Exam Room Experience Drives Leadership Excellence.
Key Discussion Points:
Background and Journey:
Lisa Williams:
Shares her extensive career in healthcare, from nursing home administration to executive roles and her passion for coaching and teaching.
Hanah Polotsky:
Describes her journey from clinician educator to physician executive, emphasizing her fascination with healthcare management and LEAN leadership.

Motivation for Writing the Book:
Lisa Williams:
Discusses the need for physicians to transition from clinical experts to effective leaders and how the book aims to fill the gap in leadership training for healthcare professionals.
Hanah Polotsky:
Highlights the importance of physicians shedding command-and-control leadership tendencies for a more collaborative approach.

Physician Burnout:
Lisa Williams:
Discusses the varying burnout levels in different healthcare settings and the common pressures faced by physicians.
Hanah Polotsky:
Explains the impact of inefficient processes and the importance of physician leadership in improving systems to reduce burnout.

Leadership Attributes:
Lisa Williams:
Emphasizes the mindset of a strategic thinker and the need for physicians to think beyond their immediate clinical responsibilities.
Hanah Polotsky:
Focuses on the importance of effective communication and listening, sharing personal experiences from the exam room.

Appendices and Additional Resources:
Lisa Williams:
Highlights the practical applications of the GUIDES framework and other tools provided in the appendices.
Hanah Polotsky:
Talks about the valuable appendices in the book, including research on change management, problem-solving models, and cross-functional redesigns.


About the Experts: 
Lisa Williams has nearly 30 years of experience leading healthcare organizations with expertise in leadership development, organizational strategy, and change management. Key roles include:
President, Lisa Williams & Associates, LLC
Former Chief Strategy Officer & Executive Coach at The Polyclinic
Chief Administrative Officer for the Pacific Northwest at OptumCare

Hanah Polotsky, MD, MBOE, has 20 years of progressive leadership in value-based healthcare and is known for her innovative approach to integrating clinical experience with leadership. Key roles include:
Executive Medical Director at CommonSpirit Health Care in Denver, Colorado
Practicing physician specializing in internal medicine and endocrinology
Completed Master of Business Operational Excellence at Ohio State University

Listen now: Learn how exam room experience shapes healthcare leadership, reduces burnout, and drives innovation.
Learn more about the American Association for Physician Leadership.


Harnessing Exam Room Experience for Leadership Excellence with Dr. Hanah Polotsky and Lisa Williams

Lisa Williams, MPPA

Hanah Polotsky, MD, MBOE

Strategy and Innovation

Performance

Humility

Overview: Join us for an insightful conversation with Smita Agarkar, MD, CPE, FAAPL, a distinguished physician leader. She shares her journey from clinical practice to a significant leadership position offering valuable advice for early-career physicians and highlights the crucial contributions of women in healthcare leadership. Agarkar discusses her shift from outpatient to inpatient care, her leadership experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, and her current roles at Gracie Square Hospital and Weill Cornell Medicine.
Women in Leadership:
Trends in healthcare leadership.
The importance of diversity and inclusivity in leadership roles.
Unique contributions of women leaders in healthcare.

Advice for Early-Career Physicians:
Overcoming unexpected barriers.
Importance of emotional intelligence and empathy.
Building relationships and being assertive.

Leadership Styles and Challenges:
Transformative leadership approach.
Building teams and changing culture.
Navigating complex healthcare environments.

Essential Leadership Skills:
Building relationships and accountability.
Trust, empathy, and active listening.
Importance of emotional intelligence.

Meta-Leadership:
Concept and application in healthcare.
Expanding thinking beyond formal boundaries.
Interdependence and unity of mission.


About the Expert: Smita Agarkar, MD, CPE, FAAPL, serves as Service Chief of Gracie Square Hospital, is Quality and Patient Safety Chair, and is an Associate Professor at Weill Cornell Medicine.
Listen Now: Gain practical advice and inspiration from a seasoned healthcare leader.
Learn more about the American Association for Physician Leadership.


Navigating Healthcare Leadership with Dr. Smita Agarkar

Smita Agarkar, MD, CPE, FAAPL

Professional Capabilities

Influence

Trust and Respect

Operations and Policy

Communication Strategies

Episode Overview: Host Mike Sacopulos interviews Megan Ranney, MD, MPH, FACEP, exploring her career journey and impactful work at the intersection of clinical medicine, public health, and advocacy. Ranney shares insights and actionable steps to address systemic healthcare issues and gun violence.
Key Topics:
Career Journey: From Peace Corps volunteer in West Africa during the AIDS crisis to Dean of Yale School of Public Health, Ranney offers a diverse perspective.
Clinical Medicine and Public Health: Leverage insights from her work as an emergency physician and public health expert.
System-Level Change: Ranney is passionate about driving systemic improvements in healthcare and public health.
Firearm Harm: Learn from her brave stance on gun violence and evidence-based strategies for future change.
Physician Action: Ranney outlines practical steps for physicians to make a difference.

About the Expert: Megan L. Ranney, MD, MPH, FACEP, is the Dean of Yale School of Public Health; the C.-E. A. Winslow Professor of Public Health for Yale School of Public Health; and a Professor of Emergency Medicine at Yale School of Medicine.
Background
Emergency physician, researcher, and national public health advocate
Focuses on digital health interventions for violence prevention and COVID risk reduction
Co-founder of GetUsPPE, Senior Strategic Advisor to AFFIRM at the Aspen Institute
Held significant roles at Brown University, including Deputy Dean and Founding Director of the Brown-Lifespan Center for Digital Health
Elected member of the National Academy of Medicine


Listen Now: Gain valuable insights on addressing gun violence and driving systemic change in healthcare from Megan Ranney, MD, MPH, FACEP.
Learn more about the American Association for Physician Leadership.


Gun Violence, Physician Leadership, and a Public Health Perspective with Dr. Megan Ranney

Megan L. Ranney, MD, MPH, FACEP

Quality and Risk

Quality Improvement

Motivate Others

Episode Overview: Host Mike Sacopulos interviews Stefanie Green, MD, a leading expert in Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) and author of the bestselling memoir This is Assisted Dying: A Doctor’s Story of Empowering Patients at the End of Life. This insightful discussion covers:
•	Scope of practice;
•	Patient eligibility;
•	Clinical availability;
•	Differences between Canadian and U.S. systems;
•	Role of End of Life (EOL) Doulas; and
•	Step-by-step process from patient request to provision.
Hear how physicians can address MAiD requests with professionalism, compassion, and informed conversation.
About the Expert: Stefanie Green, MD, has extensive experience in general practice, maternity, and newborn care. Since 2016, she has focused on MAiD. Key roles include:
•	Founding President, Canadian Association of MAiD Assessors and Providers (CAMAP)
•	Co-Lead, Canadian MAiD Curriculum Project
•	Medical Advisor, BC Ministry of Health MAiD oversight committee
•	Moderator, CAMAP’s national online community of practice
•	Speaker on MAiD locally, nationally, and internationally, including a TEDx talk
•	Clinical faculty member at the University of British Columbia and the University of Victoria
Listen Now: Gain valuable insights from Stefanie Green, MD, on what every physician needs to know about MAiD. Ensure you are well-equipped to handle patient requests with professionalism and compassion.
Learn more about the American Association for Physician Leadership.


Dr. Stefanie Green and What Physicians Need to Know about MAiD (Medical Assistance in Dying)

Stefanie Green, MD

Episode Overview: Are you a Chief Medical Officer or an aspiring physician leader looking to develop a foundational understanding of healthcare economics? In this episode, host Mike Sacopulos is joined by Lee Scheinbart, MD, CPE, author of The Chief Medical Officer’s Financial Primer, to delve into the financial intricacies of healthcare.
Key Takeaways:
•	Financial Flow: Insight into how money moves from payers to providers in the U.S. healthcare system.
•	Leadership Skills: Importance of financial literacy for effective healthcare leadership.
•	Future Models: Preparation for evolving financial structures in healthcare.
About Lee Scheinbart, MD, CPE:
•	Current Role: Chief Health Affairs Officer, Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine.
•	Education: BS in Biology from the University of Michigan, MD from Ohio State University.
•	Training: Internal Medicine residency and Hematology/Oncology fellowship at the University of Florida Shands Hospital.
•	Experience: Over 20 years in Hematology/Oncology practice, leadership roles at Melbourne Internal Medicine Associates and Health First.
•	Contributions: Founding of the William Childs Hospice House, Medical Director for the Health First Cancer Institute.
•	Leadership: Certified Physician Executive (CPE), former Vice President for Medical Affairs and Chief Medical Officer at HF Hospitals.
•	Involvement: Active in the American Association of Physician Leadership, volunteer, mentor, curriculum advisor, and panel speaker.
About the Book: Using illustrative stories, Scheinbart makes the text engaging while fostering critical thinking at every stage of an aspiring medical officer’s career growth. The book will equip physician leaders with essential financial knowledge to navigate and influence the healthcare system while providing an understanding of the historical flow of capital in U.S. healthcare and preparing for future financial models.
Learn more about the American Association for Physician Leadership.

How Money and Finances Work in Healthcare with Lee Scheinbart

Lee Scheinbart, MD, CPE

Finance

Financial Management

Environmental Influences

Payment Models

Episode Overview: Are you looking to eliminate waste, enhance efficiency, and elevate patient satisfaction in your practice? In this episode, host Mike Sacopulos and Owen J. Dahl, MBA, LFACHE, CHBC, LSSMBB, discuss how streamlining healthcare can help you achieve your goals. Dahl is a nationally recognized expert in healthcare management with nearly 40 years of specialization in lean management, revenue cycle, and practice operations.
The Big Picture: Leverage Dahl’s expertise to revolutionize your healthcare practice by gaining actionable insights to boost efficiency and quality. Implementing lean Six Sigma strategies can enhance experiences for providers and patients, leading to a more effective and rewarding practice.
Key Points:
Philosophy of Workflow: Discover how Dahl's approach optimizes healthcare workflows, focusing on enhancing experiences for both patients and providers.
Quality Improvement: Explore successful real-world examples that underscore the crucial role systematic processes in driving quality improvements.
Systems Awareness: Gain a comprehensive understanding of the entire healthcare system to identify and eliminate inefficiencies.
Economic Benefits: Learn how streamlined processes like Lean Management and Six Sigma can bolster the financial health of healthcare practices.
Historical Insight: Apply John Wanamaker’s principle to modern healthcare to identify and reduce wasted resources.
Practical Implementation: Find out how physician leaders can drive positive change by implementing lean processes.

Resources:
Books by Owen Dahl:
The High-Performing Medical Practice: Workflow, Practice Finances, and Patient-Centric Care
Think Business! Medical Practice Quality, Efficiency, Profits (2nd Edition)

Owen Dahl Consulting:
Visit owendahlconsulting.com for more information.


Learn more about the American Association for Physician Leadership.


Lean Six Sigma and Process Improvement in Healthcare with Owen J. Dahl

Owen J. Dahl, MBA, FACHE, LSSMBB

Systems Awareness

Economics

An Alternative to Traditional Retirement: Considerations for Physicians

RECENT EPISODES

Harnessing Exam Room Experience for Leadership Excellence with Dr. Hanah Polotsky and Lisa Williams

Navigating Healthcare Leadership with Dr. Smita Agarkar

Gun Violence, Physician Leadership, and a Public Health Perspective with Dr. Megan Ranney

Dr. Stefanie Green and What Physicians Need to Know about MAiD (Medical Assistance in Dying)

How Money and Finances Work in Healthcare with Lee Scheinbart

Lean Six Sigma and Process Improvement in Healthcare with Owen J. Dahl

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