Here four spine surgeons discuss what characteristics make for great leaders in spine care and the industry.
Ask Spine Surgeons is a weekly series of questions posed to spine surgeons around the country about clinical, business and policy issues affecting spine care. We invite all spine surgeon and specialist responses.
Next week's question: What do you wish you had known about hospital employment before taking up that option?
Please send responses to Anuja Vaidya at avaidya@beckershealthcare.com by Wednesday, April 20, at 5 p.m. CST.
Question: What makes great leaders in spine?
Richard Kube, MD, Founder, CEO, Prairie Spine & Pain Institute (Peoria, Ill.): Leadership in general implies there are folks following. You must inspire people to follow you if you are to lead. Confidence is important, but not to the point of arrogance. Be willing to do anything you ask of others. Set a good example. Have an appropriate blend of positive and negative reinforcement. Mentor those you lead and help show them what is important in your message and goals. Use encouraging language elements to motivate others to build self-esteem and confidence. I could go on as there are thousands of books on the topic, but these are principles I adhere to daily.
Raymond Hah, MD, Assistant Professor, Clinical Orthopedic Surgery, Keck Medicine of USC, Los Angeles: The advances made in spine surgery over the past few decades allow us to now address conditions which could not previously be treated. This innovation was driven by many surgeons with tireless dedication and vision to solve clinical problems for their patients who had no other recourse, and share these findings with their colleagues and medical community. The great leaders in spine continue to advance this field, recognizing that though we have come a long way, there are yet many questions left unanswered.
Brian R. Gantwerker, MD, The Craniospinal Center of Los Angeles: I think the ability to forgive their past mistakes and learn from them. Being able to think with a level head and always be professional.
Purnendu Gupta, MD, Spine Surgeon, NorthShore Orthopaedic Institute, Evanston, Ill.: A great leader should to be passionate about spine surgery and patient care. They must be thoughtful in their drive for research and innovation aimed at improving treatment methodology and patient outcomes. Unique research and innovation should make a clinical impact. Additionally, participating in translational research — going from the bench to the clinical setting — can sometimes be groundbreaking. This combination of clinical care and research can help to make a difference in patient care.
It is also important for physician leaders to be involved in major spine organizations like the North American Spine Society and Scoliosis Research Society. They provide support to physicians in continuing education and engage physicians at a legislative level.
Such organizations, with active physician leader participation, should be on the frontline when it comes to policy change. A greater participation in the legislative process will make for better delivery of the healthcare. Physician leaders need to be part of the legislative conversation. In the end, patients will benefit.