A recent Anesthesia and Analgesia The Open Mind article eloquently laid out the case for anesthesiologists being especially well suited to leadership roles in health care. The evidence for physician leaders in general is compelling. Hospital quality scores are 25% higher in physician-run hospitals. In the more recent 2019 U.S. News and World Report "Best Hospitals" list, higher ranked hospitals were more frequently managed by physician executives and the top six were all physician led.
Anesthesiologists are unique among our physician cohort and particularly suited to be outstanding health care leaders as a result of our training and role in the health care system. Collaboration is the foundation of our training, and we are required to be highly observant in changing circumstances, data analytical, and precise. We must be collaborators, communicators, and consensus builders to ensure the best outcomes for our patients. Fundamental to the training of emerging leaders are the following topics:
- Finance, economics, accounting
- Operations
- Leadership strategy: broad thinking, communicating a vision, negotiation
- Emotional intelligence: team building, active listening, conflict resolution
At UAB, we are well positioned to offer formal training in these topics by way of our outstanding programs. Our MHSA program is the top-ranked program in the nation. Our MBA program ranks in the top 15% of all online programs nationally. Both schools are truly excited to partner with the UAB Heersink School of Medicine Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine on this novel fellowship program.
Further solidifying this program's unique training offerings is a collaboration with the UAB Medicine LDO. This opportunity is traditionally only afforded to leaders at the highest level of our institution; department Chairs, Vice Chairs, and hospital administrators. By partnering with our LDO and obtaining an incredibly valuable master's degree from UAB's top programs, our fellows will be positioned to launch a successful, distinguished career as a senior health care leader. Our fellow will join our faculty as a full-time staff anesthesiologist with full benefits. Time will be afforded every week to complete classwork and participate in experiential learning opportunities. No call or weekends will be assigned, although the fellow will have the opportunity to choose to take on extra assignments as their coursework allows. The fellow will complete a Perioperative Leadership Project during the course of this two-year fellowship to be presented at Anesthesia Grand Rounds, as well as a national meeting such as ASA ADVANCE or the AACD Perioperative Leadership Summit.
Creating competent leaders
"The Perioperative Leadership Fellowship has been a game-changer for my growth as an early-career health care professional. Conversations with physicians, administrators, and peers have given me a deeper understanding of the complexities of the health care ecosystem. The program strikes the right balance of flexibility and rigor, allowing me to continue my clinical work as an anesthesiologist while steadily growing as a more thoughtful and effective teammate. It’s opened doors to meaningful collaboration across specialties and expanded my professional network beyond my department. The courses have pushed me to think more strategically and approach challenges with a broader perspective. I’d strongly recommend this fellowship to any health care professional looking to broaden their perspective and grow in ways that positively impact their teams and organizations." - Patrick Hussey, M.D.
Interested in learning more? Connect with us!
Matt Sherrer, M.D., MBA, FASA, FAACD
Program Director
dsherrer@uabmc.edu
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