In the latest episode of our Healthcare Experience Matters podcast, James Lonquist, MD, an accomplished cardiothoracic surgeon and expert in healthcare teamwork and leadership, joins us to explore the essential elements of teamwork in healthcare and their implications for leadership.

Kathleen Lynam, RN, MPA, an Executive Coach and Senior Advisor with the Healthcare Experience Foundation (HXF) moderates today’s discussion.

When it comes to building teams and leadership in healthcare, Dr. Lonquist offers our listeners deep insights into what it takes to lead a successful team in the high-stakes healthcare environment, doing so candidly and utilizing the art of storytelling in this special podcast episode.

Both Kathleen and Dr. Lonquist have been selfless contributors to our ongoing series of healthcare leadership certificate programs here at HXF, and we would love to remind you that our Certificate in Physician Leadership event returns in November, and we highly encourage you to consider joining us.

Leadership Certificate in Physician Leadership

You can learn more about this event and unlock physician leadership potential that achieves greater patient care, team engagement, quality, safety, and performance outcomes.

The certificate in Physician Leadership supports high-potential medical staff and emerging and new physician leaders, teaching them methods for collaborating with administration, peers, and care teams to advance patient care and colleague engagement. Learn more.

The Physician Leadership Journey

The discussion begins with Dr. Lonquist sharing his background and the significant role that teamwork plays in patient care within cardiothoracic surgery. He highlights that providing quality healthcare requires the collaboration of numerous professionals across various departments. In his experience, he has observed that effective teamwork can significantly improve patient safety, satisfaction, and overall outcomes.

He reflects on the complexity of surgical care, noting that it often involves up to 100 individuals working together to ensure a patient’s journey from admission to discharge is seamless.

Dr. Lonquist acknowledges the initial challenges he faced as a new leader, particularly issues surrounding trust and accountability. Coming from a mindset that emphasized self-sufficiency—“if you want it done right, do it yourself”—he learned early on that entrusting tasks to team members is crucial for success. He emphasizes that having confidence in the capabilities of others not only reduces burnout but also enhances team dynamics.

He shares that when things inevitably go wrong, it’s vital to assess what happened collaboratively rather than assigning blame, thus fostering a healthier communication environment.

The conversation also delves into the differences between leading multidisciplinary teams, such as those in cardiothoracic surgery, versus leading peers in administrative settings. Dr. Lonquist emphasizes that while the surgical team shares a focused goal—ensuring the patient’s safety during operations—the dynamic changes when working with peers who may only meet for brief discussions. He advises that making the most of these limited interactions is crucial, emphasizing the need for efficient, targeted communication in these settings.

Another vital point raised during the episode revolves around respect and recognition within the team. Dr. Lonquist stresses that fostering an environment where each team member feels valued is fundamental for successful teamwork.

As a leader, he believes it’s necessary to recognize the contributions of all team members, reinforcing positive behaviors that promote a culture of appreciation.

Dr. Lonquist concludes with practical advice for new leaders, underscoring the importance of communication and active listening. He encourages leaders to have one-on-one conversations with team members to understand their concerns and contributions better.

This personalized approach not only builds trust but also aligns the team towards the common goal of providing exceptional patient care.

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