VIDEO: Physician leadership development ‘now more than ever’ imperative

AUSTIN, Texas — In this exclusive video perspective from GI Outlook 2018, Karen L. Woods, MD, of Houston Methodist Gastroenterology Associates, discusses her presentation on how to develop leadership in a medical practice.

“This is a very important topic,” Woods told Healio Gastroenterology and Liver Disease. “I think many people don’t have a good understanding of [leadership]. There’s a lot of science behind leadership and developing leadership traits. One very important aspect is the root of your own personality.”

Everyone has several personality traits that can be measured and tie into their leadership style, according to Woods.

One trait that Woods homed in on was emotional intelligence.

“It has been shown that leaders who have very high marks on the emotional intelligent quotient actually have very high business performance and financial performance as well in the business world,” she said.

Woods also noted that it is important for physicians to get a better understanding of their “personality quotient.”

“[It] can be very important and helpful to your own insights on how your strengths and weaknesses will relate to your communication with people,” she said. “... Once you have a better understanding of your own leadership strengths and weaknesses, then there are many opportunities in the community and nationally for you to develop further leadership skills.”

Physician leadership development is becoming imperative, according to Woods.

“In this rapidly changing health care environment there is an incredible need for physicians to be at the route ... of the changes and we need to have physician buy in as well,” she said. “If we don’t have that, there will be administrators and non-medical people making decisions [regarding] health care and our patients care.”

Reference:

Woods KL. Leading from your Strengths. Presented at: GI Outlook; Austin, Texas; August 10-12, 2018.

Disclosure: Woods reports no relevant financial disclosures.