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Dr. Thomas Scalea, the Honorable Francis X. Kelly Distinguished Professor of Trauma Surgery, Physician-in-Chief of the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center, and Director of the Program in Trauma at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, joins us to discuss his unconventional path to becoming a leader in trauma care. Reflecting on pivotal career moments, Dr. Scalea highlights innovative approaches in trauma management and the importance of empowering teams to foster excellence in patient care. He shares insights on leadership, from conflict resolution and negotiation to the essential role of “managing up” in a high-stakes environment. Dr. Scalea’s emphasis on challenging the status quo and pursuing one’s passions offers invaluable advice for aspiring surgeons and leaders.

Takeaways

• Dr. Scalea's journey to surgery was unplanned and filled with pivotal moments.
• Innovative techniques in trauma care can lead to remarkable patient recoveries.
• Effective leadership requires listening and leading by example.
• Improving patient care involves protocolizing processes and enhancing communication.
• Quality assurance in complex healthcare systems relies on empowering skilled individuals.
• Conflict management starts with understanding others' perspectives.
• Influence as a leader is built through a willingness to help and support others.
• Aspiring leaders should challenge the status quo and pursue what they love.

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Dr. Charles Yeo, Professor and Chairman of the Department of Surgery at Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University and Senior Vice President and Chair of Enterprise Surgery at Jefferson Health, shares his journey to becoming a leader in pancreatic surgery. He reflects on the pivotal role of mentorship, the resilience needed during his transition to faculty, and the evolution of pancreatic surgery over the years. Dr. Yeo dives into the complexities of healthcare systems, discussing the funds flow model and the importance of preserving academic missions. For aspiring leaders, Dr. Yeo highlights the need for emotional intelligence and foundational skills essential to succeed in surgery.

Takeaways

• Mentorship played a crucial role in shaping Dr. Yeo's career path.
• The evolution of pancreatic surgery has been significant over the years.
• Early challenges in faculty positions require resilience and adaptability.
• Leadership in surgery is about advancing others and setting them up for success.
• Effective communication is vital in surgical leadership.
• Balancing work and personal life is a continuous challenge for surgeons.
• Healthcare systems benefit from regional facilities for patient care and education.
• Quality assurance requires delegation and oversight in large healthcare systems.
• Future surgical leaders must develop emotional intelligence and sound surgical skills.

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Dr. Robert McIntyre, John and Cynthia Schultz Professor and Chief of the Division of GI, Trauma, and Endocrine Surgery, as well as Vice Chair of Finance in the Department of Surgery at the University of Colorado, reflects on how personal trauma influenced his career path and discusses the transition from resident to attending surgeon, highlighting the new responsibilities that come with leadership.

He emphasizes the importance of soft skills—especially listening—and how leadership opportunities often arise from being prepared and open to them. Dr. McIntyre shares his insights into balancing multiple roles in a surgical career, the value of collaboration, and the power of building trust within a team.

Dr. McIntyre also highlights the complexities of revenue cycle management and the significance of compliance in billing practices.


Takeaways

• Dr. McIntyre's journey into surgery was influenced by personal trauma.
• The transition from resident to attending brings new responsibilities.
• Leadership opportunities often arise from being prepared and open to them.
• Soft skills, especially listening, are crucial for effective leadership.
• Balancing multiple roles can be achieved through collaboration and teamwork.
• Influence in leadership comes from valuing team input and building trust.
• Documentation is key to successful revenue cycle management.
• Timely filing and clean claims are critical to avoid denials.
• Regular feedback and education are essential for compliance and improvement.
• Future leaders should focus on management and finance skills alongside clinical expertise.