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

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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

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

Influence

Operations and Policy

People Management

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-Management

Self-Awareness

Strategy and Innovation

Environmental Influences

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

Adaptability

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

Trust and Respect

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

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

RECENT EPISODES

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

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)

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Pathway to Chief Medical Officer – Insights from Rex Hoffman, MD, author of I Want to Be a Chief Medical Officer: Now What?