“Dr. Lawrence Schecter has been my executive coach for the past 6 months. Larry was introduced to me by Providence Health Systems in order to further develop and enhance my skill sets, as I am a practicing physician with some administrative responsibilities.
Larry and I have explored various topics such as leadership, resistance to change, vulnerability, influence and shared purpose. Our relationship was not one of lecturer and student but rather one where the coach listens, probes, listens some more and helps the client unravel a complex web of feelings, memories and experiences.
With his help, I have explored uncomfortable topics and have been able to make sense out of past failures and current dilemmas. Dr Schecter and I have laid out a game plan for me based on my prior experiences to trouble shoot future endeavors and enhance my career path.
Larry, especially for a retired surgeon, is an exceptional listener and of course highly organized. He is able to focus the client on blind spots and weaknesses without leading the conversation! Dr Schecter comes with my highest, unconditional endorsement. A finer gentleman/ scholar/ teacher/ leader you will not find.”
Sameer D. Mistry, MD, FACEP
Vice Chief of Staff
Department of Emergency Medicine
Providence Little Company of Mary San Pedro Medical Center
“Dr. Schecter has served as my Executive Coach the last approximately six months. I have enjoyed my time with him. He has been an excellent listener. He is insightful, compassionate and wise. He has been very helpful as I have transitioned to my broader leadership role within Providence Medical Group. I highly recommend Dr. Schecter as an Executive Coach.”
Dr. Kirk Rowbotham
Chief Medical Officer
Providence Medical Group
Spokane, WA
“I have truly enjoyed my time with Dr. Schecter. The coaching opportunity was provided to assist in my transition to a new role in our healthcare delivery system. At the start of the engagement, I really had no idea what to expect. Now, after six months, I can state that the time spent has been quite enjoyable and rewarding.
The engagement has consisted of one hour sessions about twice a month. As the interaction started, he obtained background information from an initial one on one interview, a personalysis questionnaire, and a direct interview 360 review. I appreciated the extra time he invested in gathering this information. The added understanding contributed to our sessions in a visible way.
The topic for each session was often of my choosing. This was consistently the case in the second half of the six months. After each session, there was a written summary and reminders of the agreed areas of focus and homework. These summaries are great supplements to my own notes on the session.
Among medical professionals, surgeons tend to be characterized by their desire to get on with the business at hand. As a neurosurgeon, I have a pretty clear understanding of this trait. Dr. Schecter has managed to effectively channel that desire. Rather than propose an approach to my stated area of focus at the beginning of the session, he would always find a way to allow me to meander to a helpful conclusion and action plan. For this reason, the learning is more internalized and lasting than it would have been with a didactically delivered answer. Although not always easy for me, I have really appreciated the long term value of this approach.
In summary, I feel rewarded by this engagement. It was time well spent. The sessions have yielded a number of practical tips that I anticipate will increase my effectiveness in this new role.
Dean Martz, MD
Chief Medical Officer
Providence Health Care
Spokane, WA
