Matthew Varacallo, MD, MBA, FAAOS | D. Joanna Kim, MD
June 10, 2024
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Every year we revisit these controversial topics that do not fit into the standard educational curriculum. While little attention is given to these topics, poor preparation for handling conflict, disparity, and disagreements among colleagues and co-workers can eventually escalate to levels that eventually fragment even the best clinical practices. While there is no one-size-fits-all approach to successfully navigating these scenarios, I will provide some insight to mitigate the potentially negative repercussions.
Here are 8 pearls!
1Positive Workplace Culture
A positive culture can be greatest defense to workplace unrest.
Defense wins championships. The old saying that resonates in the National Basketball Association (NBA) also rings true when it comes to handling conflict in your practice. The best offense is a great defense.
What is a great defense?
A great workplace culture.
2Leadership
Culture starts with leadership.
Remember that you are the captain of the ship. Lead by example. Surgeons and physicians are in natural positions of leadership and it is very important to develop and integrate these skills while you are in residency and fellowship. The pitfall is to “wait and figure it out” when you get out into practice. Trust me, you will have enough going on when you are establishing a new practice. Additionally, never underestimate the value that an effective office manager can bring to the team. Remember, when you are in the operating room taking care of your surgical patients, the world does not stop over in your clinic. In other words, you cannot be in two places at once. Learn to delegate and trust your support staff.
3Choose Integrity
At all times, choose the high road.
No matter how toxic a situation can get, make sure you avoid regressing to pettiness and immaturity. Avoid the rumor mill and avoid gossip. As soon as you go down this road, you will lose your professional credibility and integrity.
4Be Respectful
Respect an individual’s situation and respect an individual’s reputation. Nothing demolishes credibility quicker than public shaming, and I am not (just) referring to the individual being criticized.
5Use HR
Utilize your Human Resources department.
As I mentioned earlier , we need to understand that we are often not formally trained in conflict resolution. When in doubt, in these situations, my advice would be to involve the trained professionals who are dealing with conflicts on a day-to-day basis. Do not be afraid to admit that you may need their professional guidance in navigating some of these conflicts that will come up.
6Resolve and Learn
Follow the conflict to its complete resolution and learn for the next experience.
No one is perfect– Including physicians. Remember the first time you scrubbed into a joint replacement or spine procedure? You struggled to figure out how to approach each unique patient and his or her pathology. The only way you improved, is by learning, adapting, reflecting, and focusing on perfecting technical execution. The same rules apply to conflict resolution. Be humble. Do not be afraid to admit when you are wrong or when you made a subpar decision. It will happen. The only failure that occurs in this process is if your ego prevents you from becoming a better, more well-rounded healthcare professional in the end!
7Ask a mentor!
Never underestimate the value your mentor can add in conflict resolution. The caveat here is that not all mentors may be great at conflict resolution. Stay alert.
8Remember Your Mental Health
Always be working on enhancing your coping skills and responses to stressful situations. I would recommend finding the time to carve out some “me time” as you establish your clinical practice. One of my mentors used to always say, “everyone could use a little therapy!” Whether you consider working with a licensed therapist, performance coach, or just regularly checking in with your seasoned mentor, the more tools you have to navigate the challenging encounters you will face, the happier you will be! The happier you are, the more you can purely focus on your mission of taking care of patients and being the best Healthcare Professional possible!
DISCLOSURES: Dr. Varacallo Paid consultant for Johnson & Johnson, Paid consultant for Arthrex, Paid consultant for Pacira Biosciences. Dr. Kim This individual reported nothing to disclose.
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