Shadi Jarjous, MD, chief of hospital medicine at Allentown, Pa.-based Lehigh Valley Health Network, joined Becker’s to discuss the importance of physicians in leadership positions.
Editor’s note: This interview was edited lightly for clarity and length.
Question: Could you speak a little about the importance of having physicians in healthcare leadership?
Dr. Shadi Jarjous: It’s key to delivering good care. Everyone wants to do the right thing for the patient and run a successful business, but unless you’ve done the clinical work, you won’t understand how complex it is. Medicine isn’t like other businesses.
Physicians have an oath to do the right thing for patients — that’s a heavier burden than most professions. Balancing that with financial sustainability is hard, but it can be done. For example, electronic medical records are a great technology, but when clinicians aren’t involved in developing those tools, they often miss the mark. Even physician leaders who don’t practice anymore can lose touch. So staying connected to the front line is essential to make effective changes.
Q: What advice would you give someone who’s struggling to balance both clinical and leadership responsibilities?
SJ: It’s tough. You need time to do both, and that’s a challenge. When you’re working clinically, you want to focus solely on patient care. But as a leader, you’re involved 24/7. So it’s important to block time — when you’re with patients, focus only on them.
Also, continue practicing enough so you stay connected to the front line. You shouldn’t make changes you’re not willing to make yourself. Leading by example builds credibility with the team. If you’re doing the same work, it’s easier to implement change. But yes, balancing both is always challenging.
