“I have watched Larry lead and interact with diverse clinical and administrative colleagues always with a sense of respect, concern, challenge and even a little constructive criticism. He brings out the best in leaders by helping them understand their own motivations as well as their filters. His skills developing physician leaders and executive clinical talent was strategically critical to us as we continually reviewed our efforts to insure patient safety and remain viable in an increasingly competitive and changing healthcare environment. His innovative work in completely restructuring the relationship between physicians, the medical staff and hospital leadership was transformational for our organization, breaking down many of the typical barriers that had previously existed.”
Dave Brooks, President
St. John Hospital and Medical Center-Detroit. Michigan
Former Chief Executive Officer
Providence Regional Medical Center
Everett, WA
Case study: Isolated Silos to Integrated Systems
The evolution of health care from individual silos into integrated systems of care has not been without challenges. When one considers that the historic foundation for the relationships between hospitals, their medical staff and physician leaders has often been one of mistrust and wariness it is no wonder that these critical components of the delivery system have been unable to comfortably integrate. Such was the problem at a 500 bed tertiary medical center.
Resolution:
An enlightened hospital leadership partnering with a forward thinking medical staff in a shared vision allowed this transformation to take place. Engaging, educating and empowering physician leaders within a unique and innovative structure embedded them within the organizational leadership in a way not previously experienced at this hospital or seen in most. Authority was granted and accountability accepted and with it the silos were broken down.
The guiding principles in overcoming such a challenge were the identification of a shared purpose, willingness to yield control, mutual respect and the creation of dialogue.
