I can't believe it's time for this week's check-in already. I will continue to share my updates from across the organization and I truly want to hear how you're doing, too! I appreciate all the great responses I got last week. I read each one and take them all to heart.
Last time I was writing about the challenge of planning for the future in a world filled with trauma after trauma. I was acutely processing the Highland Park tragedy, and also unable to ignore the other cracks in our society.
This week I'm ready to build things. That's been my energy focus, and I've been asking a lot of "How could we?" questions. I'm especially interested in, "How could we have more impact?", and, "How could we find sustainable funding for this organization?". Big questions, I know. And, ones that are dearly important to me. Before I get to the updates, the chart below surfaced again with a lot of shares on Twitter. When I look at it, I want to understand, “How could we reduce the bureaucracy in healthcare and return focus to human-centered relationships and care?”
Without further ado, this week's updates:
Book club - This continues to be one of my favorite things. It's a fantastic and creative group. Just participating renews my soul. We talked a lot about what we can try that could add real value beyond the book club group. Jeff Cohn is a retired heme/onc physician and coach. He and I would like to pilot a "boot camp for change agents". The concept is a well-vetted 6-week program based on positive psychology and the work of Shirzad Chamine. Let me be clear, the intention is not to pacify doctors with coaching, but rather to strengthen our capabilities to advocate for transformation. This will be a very small cohort, so respond ASAP if you want a chance to participate.
All In Wellbeing - I met with Kasia Laskowski and Nikhil Rajapuram to review the output from our design thinking session on what the group can do that's aligned and effective. We spoke about the medical student scorecard and the felt resistance to it from partners. Nikhil and I both spoke up about the importance of moving this project forward and that we still believe it needs to happen. We also touched on the work of the Lown Index, including the 2022 list of most socially responsible hospitals as a model of interest. Lastly, I pitched the accelerator idea to Kasia and she was inspired to take it to the ALL IN group to follow up.
Prior auth - Discussion with ACP to plan our next action is scheduled for 7/25. We are excited to continue this work! Please reply here if you have ideas, suggestions, or concerns anytime. Here was my prior auth experience this week:
Nitrofurantoin was denied for chronic UTI in an 80y old. Guess what the covered alternative was?... Nitrofurantoin 😂. Guess how long I spent on the phone? 20min. #FixPriorAuthAnd, thanks to Dr. G for this (h/t Steve Wartman):
Trainee leaders - I had a great conversation with Sam Schotland. We touched on needing to get the student scorecard implemented, ongoing interest in resident unions, and the possibility of formalizing an "interdisciplinary advisory board" (I think we should). We're privileged to have some amazing contacts that want to help us with all kinds of useful and relevant backgrounds (economists, political scientists, and historians, to name a few).
Org sustainability - This is becoming ever more top of mind for me as I think about my last year leading this group. We will continue to explore the accelerator concept, but need to remain open to multiple options at this point. Several suggestions include looking for aligned sponsors to keep us going, grants, and raising our membership price (my least favorite). Our feet really are to the fire here if this organization is meant to continue after next September. If you have connections or ideas for funding and/or candidates to suggest for my replacement, I want to hear from you.
Leadership - I spoke with Brian and Tatiana, and we want to make the retreat happen. It looks like DC is the most viable location. Still planning to have it be small (20 or less), and have it focus on building relationships, org strategy, and having fun together!
That's it for organizational news. I do have one more important thing to share. Our own Brian Dixon just finished running in a campaign for public office in Texas (Way to go, Brian!) He shared quite a few insightful learnings with Tatiana and me. Our discussion included wanting to support more good people to run for public office. Brian has graciously offered to help mentor any physicians that are running for something or considering running. If that’s you, please take him up on that! I'm honored to help you connect with Brian, just ask.
Let's do this! What “How could we _____?” questions do you want to ask?
Gabe
Thanks for this wonderful update! It is heartening to see this all move forward, especially after a week recovering from COVID and then just a hefty load of administrative burden and feeling like I am yelling into the void. I just wanted to acknowledge the importance of participating in this group to my own resilience!