Mark D. Olszyk, MD, MBA, CPE, is the editor of the new best-selling book, The Chief Medical Officer’s Essential Guidebook.
This book is a compilation of dozens of medical executives' experiences and lessons, including what they wish they had known before becoming CMOs. A Foreword by Peter Angood, MD, chief executive officer of the American Association for Physician Leadership, puts the book in context for modern physician leadership.
President Truman famously had a sign on his desk that read, “The buck stops here.” It was an acknowledgment that he was ultimately responsible for the actions of his administration. 
Chief medical officers can relate to Harry Truman’s position as being a CMO comes with significant responsibilities. Being a CMO is “the best job in medicine,” Olszyk says. He is about to defend that position while offering advice to current and future CMOs. 
In this episode, host, Mike Sacopulos, and Olszyk discuss the following:  
What are the traits and skills that make a good Chief Medical Officer?
How do you build alliances and partnerships to ensure success?
Learning stories from other CMO is a great way to learn; case studies and anecdotes were chosen carefully for the new book.
Learn more about the American Association for Physician Leadership at www.physicianleaders.org

OCME: Life in America’s Top Forensic Medical Center, New Book by Bruce Goldfarb - Banner Image 

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Dr. Mark Olszyk and “CMO — The Best Job in Medicine”

Mark D. Olszyk, MD, MBA, CPE, FACEP, FACHE

Problem Solving

Strategic Perspective

Motivations and Thinking Style

Comfort with Visibility

Professional Capabilities

Accountability

Join host Mike Sacopulos in this compelling episode of SoundPractice as he sits down with David Matchar, MD, to delve into the transformative potential of systems thinking in healthcare. Matchar is a distinguished expert in the industry with a rich career from his early days at Duke University to current influential roles. Drawing from lived experiences, he shares unique insights on how viewing healthcare as an interconnected system, rather than isolated silos, can significantly enhance organizational performance.

Systems Thinking in Healthcare: A Conversation with Dr. David Matchar

David Matchar, MD

Strategy and Innovation

Environmental Influences

Summary: In this insightful episode of SoundPractice, host Mike Sacopulos engages in a compelling conversation with Linda Roszak Burton, an accomplished author, researcher, and executive coach. Linda, the author of The Power of Gratitude to Heal the World, delves into the integration of neuroscience-based methodologies in her coaching to enhance well-being and performance in the healthcare sector.
Key Takeaways:
•	Linda's Fascination with Neuroscience:
o	Linda shares her journey into neuroscience through a NeuroLeadership program.
o	Emphasizes the importance of understanding brain functionality to improve coaching effectiveness.
•	Virtuous Practice in Healthcare:
o	Discusses her article in Wharton Healthcare Quarterly on clinician burnout and job satisfaction.
o	Highlights the concept of the virtuous cycle, where reconnecting with the purpose and values in medicine enhances clinician well-being and patient care.
•	Gratitude in Clinical Practice:
o	Explores how gratitude and virtues like empathy and compassion can transform patient-physician relationships.
o	Discusses reciprocity and its impact on both clinicians and patients.
•	Addressing Anger in Healthcare:
o	Linda talks about societal anger towards the healthcare system.
o	Emphasizes the need for holistic well-being, including emotional, mental, and social aspects.
•	Gratitude Practices and Neuroscience:
o	The significance of gratitude practices in reshaping neural pathways for improved mental health.
o	Practical tips on incorporating gratitude into daily routines for healthcare professionals.
•	Generational Benefits of Gratitude:
o	Research shows the universal benefits of gratitude across different generations.
•	Implementing Gratitude in Leadership:
o	Strategies for healthcare leaders to foster a culture of gratitude and well-being.
o	The importance of positive deviance and learning from high-functioning teams.
Practical Tips:
•	Schedule a regular gratitude practice, be it morning or evening.
•	Integrate gratitude into existing activities, like a mindful walk, to make it a sustainable habit.
Listen Now: Tune in to this episode of SoundPractice for an enriching discussion on how gratitude and neuroscience can revolutionize healthcare practice and clinician well-being.
Learn more about the American Association for Physician Leadership. 


The Power of Gratitude in Healthcare with Linda Roszak Burton

Linda Roszak Burton, BS, ACC

Self-Management

Humility

Resilience

Adaptability

Episode Overview: Today’s guests have had immense impacts reaching far beyond the healthcare system. Their transformative work has revolutionized mental health reporting requirements and licensed over 1.2 million healthcare workers with the skills to reduce stigma and improve access to care. 
Join host Mike Sacopulos as he interviews Tim Fischer, president of Jackson and Coker, and J. Corey Feist, JD, MBA, founder and CEO of the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation about their vital work supporting the mental health and well-being of healthcare professionals. 
Key Takeaways:
Healthcare’s Mental Health Crisis:
The CDC reports that healthcare workers in the U.S. face worse mental health conditions than any other job sector.
We can address this crisis by changing institutional practices and reducing the stigma of seeking mental health treatment.

Inspire Change Today:
Revise mental health-related questions in applications and credentials with resources in the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation’s toolkit.
Create a supportive environment for healthcare workers by creating a safe space where you can discuss mental health challenges.


Dig Deeper:
Jackson and Coker:
Jackson and Coker specialize in locum tenens, connecting physicians and advanced practitioners with communities.
They collaborate with the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation to support healthcare worker well-being.

Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation:
Focusing on improving mental health and well-being for healthcare workers, the foundation was established in 2020 to honor Dr. Lorna Breen, an emergency medicine physician.
The foundation aims to reduce burnout and destigmatize mental health treatment for healthcare professionals.


Partnership and Initiatives:
ALL IN: WellBeing First for Healthcare: A coalition with diverse partners like Harvard School of Public Health and Johnson & Johnson, aiming to scale well-being solutions and remove barriers to mental health access.
Champion Badge Program: Recognizes organizations that audit and revise their mental health-related questions to reduce stigma and improve access to care.

Get Involved
For more information and to become an ambassador visit Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation.

Listen Now: Tune in and learn how you can support your peers’ mental health and well-being today!
Learn more about the American Association for Physician Leadership. 


Physician Wellness with Tim Fischer from Jackson and Coker and J. Corey Feist from Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation

Tim Fischer

J. Corey Feist, JD, MBA

Influence

Quality and Risk

Quality Improvement

Operations and Policy

People Management

Episode Summary:
Join us for an enlightening episode of SoundPractice as host Mike Sacopulos interviews Tom Rossi, the vice president of executive search at Jackson Physician Search. With more than three decades of experience, Rossi shares his expertise on physician recruitment, leadership development, and the pressing need for effective physician leaders today.
Key Takeaways:
The Importance of Physician Leaders:
Physicians seek to have a voice and make a difference in patient care and experience at various levels in the healthcare system.
The report “Developing the Next Generation of Physician Executives” by Jackson Physician Search and MGMA underscores the crucial role of physician leaders in improving healthcare outcomes and organizational efficiency.

Challenges and Opportunities:
Many organizations lack adequate physician leadership development programs.
Discover how organizations in rural and major metro areas are tackling physician recruitment challenges.

Essential Elements of Leadership Programs:
Rossi highlights the importance of mentorship, group learning, 360 feedback, and executive coaching.
Discover how leveraging technology and staying updated with advancements like AI can enhance your team’s healthcare delivery.

Skills and Training for Physician Leaders:
Aspiring physician leaders must develop relationship-building skills and effective communication.
Explore various educational paths, including MBAs, MHAs, and specialized certifications like the Certified Physician Executive (CPE).


About Jackson Physician Search:
Jackson Physician Search specializes in permanent physician recruitment, with a distinct focus on physician leadership roles. Their mission is to improve the delivery of patient care and the lives of everyone it touches by supporting facilities across the country that serve more than 10 million patients each year.
Resource:
Report: Developing the Next Generation of Physician Executives by Jackson Physician Search and MGMA

Listen Now: Gain valuable insights into the critical and evolving role of physician leaders in the healthcare sector and how to effectively prepare for and excel in these pivotal roles.
Learn more about the American Association for Physician Leadership.


The Ongoing Need for Physician Leaders with Tom Rossi from Jackson Physician Search

Tom Rossi

Episode Summary: Are you a physician feeling stuck in the traditional career path of clinical medicine? Join us for an enlightening episode of SoundPractice as host Mike Sacopulos welcomes Naomi Lawrence-Reid, MD, a board-certified pediatrician and the visionary founder of Doctoring Differently.
Lawrence-Reid shares her inspiring journey from traditional clinical medicine to exploring innovative and fulfilling career paths outside of full-time clinical practice. Her story is a testament to the power of courage, curiosity, and the willingness to challenge the status quo.
At a Glance:
•	Introducing Naomi Lawrence-Reid, MD:
o	From her medical training in Massachusetts and New York to founding an innovative online community for physicians, discover her inspiring journey.
•	Acknowledging Limitations:
o	While working in a pediatric ER, the limitations and challenges of traditional clinical medicine became apparent.
•	The Breaking Point:
o	Lawrence-Reid’s career shift can be pinpointed to a pivotal moment in the ER when the administrator’s lack of attention to a broken chair led to her resignation.
•	Challenges and Resistance:
o	While exploring non-traditional career options, physicians are met with skepticism and resistance from colleagues and supervisors.
•	Founding Doctoring Differently:
o	Using her lived experiences, Lawrence-Reid founded Doctoring Differently to help educate physicians and give them “permission” to explore diverse career opportunities.
•	Empowerment through Knowledge:
o	Understanding one’s career options immensely impacts professional and personal well-being, making it easier to address and overcome barriers.
•	Future Vision: 
o	Lawrence-Reid’s goal is to improve healthcare through physician empowerment by integrating Doctoring Differently into medical education
Why Listen? Whether looking for a career change, better work-life balance, or simply curious about what's possible, this episode provides valuable insights and actionable steps. Lawrence-Reid’s journey is a powerful reminder that physicians have the autonomy and capability to explore diverse and rewarding career paths. By challenging the traditional norms and seeking innovative opportunities, doctors can find fulfillment and contribute to healthcare in meaningful ways.
Learn more about the American Association for Physician Leadership.

Doctoring Differently with Dr. Naomi Lawrence-Reid

Naomi Lawrence-Reid, MD

Self-Awareness

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

Performance

Dr. Mark Olszyk and “CMO — The Best Job in Medicine”

RECENT EPISODES

Systems Thinking in Healthcare: A Conversation with Dr. David Matchar

The Power of Gratitude in Healthcare with Linda Roszak Burton

Physician Wellness with Tim Fischer from Jackson and Coker and J. Corey Feist from Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation

The Ongoing Need for Physician Leaders with Tom Rossi from Jackson Physician Search

Doctoring Differently with Dr. Naomi Lawrence-Reid

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

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