The Patient Physician

Leading from the Middle: Transformative Strategies for Resident Physicians

Episode Summary

This podcast episode, recorded at the 2024 ACGME conference in Orlando, Florida, features Dr. Kathryn Hughes, a Pulmonology and Critical Care Fellow for the Naval Medical Center San Diego. The discussion revolves around Dr. Hughes's ACGME presentation on 'leading from the middle,' a concept focused on how resident physicians and fellows can effectively lead and initiate change within their organizations despite needing to be in top executive positions. Dr. Hughes shares her journey from an internal medicine resident to chief resident, highlighting the mentorship she received and how it shaped her confidence in making a difference from a mid-level position. She introduces a practical framework for effective leadership from the middle. Dr. Hughes's insights guide medical professionals to influence positive change in their environments and to contribute meaningfully to medical education and patient care. This discussion underscores the significance of engagement, asking the right questions, and proactively addressing and solving problems to combat burnout and promote a fulfilling medical career.

Episode Notes

This podcast episode, recorded at the 2024 ACGME conference in Orlando, Florida, features Dr. Kathryn Hughes, a Pulmonology and Critical Care Fellow for the Naval Medical Center San Diego. The discussion revolves around Dr. Hughes's ACGME presentation on 'leading from the middle,' a concept focused on how resident physicians and fellows can effectively lead and initiate change within their organizations despite needing to be in top executive positions. Dr. Hughes shares her journey from an internal medicine resident to chief resident, highlighting the mentorship she received and how it shaped her confidence in making a difference from a mid-level position. She introduces a practical framework for effective leadership from the middle. Dr. Hughes's insights guide medical professionals to influence positive change in their environments and to contribute meaningfully to medical education and patient care. This discussion underscores the significance of engagement, asking the right questions, and proactively addressing and solving problems to combat burnout and promote a fulfilling medical career.

TIME STAMPS:

00:00 Opening Remarks at the ACGME Conference

00:26 Introducing Dr. Kathryn Hughes: A Journey to Leadership

02:31 The Framework for Leading from the Middle

03:17 Understanding Organizational Needs: The First Step

09:45 The Power of Asking 'Why?' and Aligning Visions

23:37 Communicating Effectively for Change

24:54 Navigating New Ideas and Leadership Challenges

26:27 Empowering Others Through Delegation and Teamwork

26:54 A Real-World Example of Empowerment and Initiative

29:35 Leadership and Management: Understanding the Balance

31:34 Personal Growth and Mentorship in Leadership

33:56 Engaging and Influencing Across the Organization

38:48 Practical Advice for Implementing Change and Avoiding Burnout

41:43 Looking Ahead: Continuing to Drive Change

44:04 Reflecting on the Patient-Physician