We’re thrilled to have Healthcare Experience Foundation Physician Coach, Robert “Rob” Minkes, as our guest on this week’s edition of the Healthcare Experience Matters Podcast.

Dr. Minkes, a board-certified general and pediatric surgeon, joins us to discuss the significance of working with a coach. Previously, he served as the System Medical Director for Adult Specialty and Surgical Services at Lee Health in Fort Myers.

About Physician Coaching
Physician coaching helps doctors improve their clinical skills, manage their workload, and navigate the ever-changing landscape of this demanding profession. Coaching can help physicians develop the skills and strategies needed to enhance their clinical practice while promoting patient safety and reducing their own levels of burnout.

This is especially important given the rising rates in burnout that have been reported in recent years (and covered in-depth on this podcast).

The benefits of physician coaching are deep and multilayered. As outlined in today’s discussion with Dr. Minkes, there are many key benefits that physicians will enjoy when working with a coach.

While coaching can benefit individuals in any profession, it is particularly important for physicians. As lifelong learners, most physicians are open to learning new things and improving their skills. However, the increasing demands of the job and the conflicting interests in healthcare can create tension that makes it difficult for physicians to thrive.

As Dr. Minkes tell us, a coach can help physicians align their values with their daily work and identify small steps they can take to achieve their desired outcomes. Here are some more key advantages of finding the right coach:

Increased Job Satisfaction
Coaching can help physicians feel more engaged and fulfilled in their work. By providing support, guidance, and feedback, a coach can help physicians overcome the challenges of the job and find new ways to approach their work. This can lead to greater job satisfaction, which in turn can reduce the risk of burnout and improve patient care.

Improved Communication Skills
Effective communication is essential for providing quality patient care. Coaching can help physicians develop the communication skills needed to build strong relationships with their patients, colleagues, and staff. By learning how to listen actively, provide clear explanations, and build rapport, physicians can improve patient satisfaction and reduce the risk of medical errors.

Better Time Management
Many physicians struggle with time management, which can lead to stress, burnout, and lower productivity. Coaching can help physicians develop strategies for managing their workload more effectively, setting priorities, and delegating tasks. By learning how to manage their time more efficiently, physicians can reduce stress, improve work-life balance, and provide better care to their patients.

Enhanced Leadership Skills
Physicians play a critical role in leading healthcare teams and improving patient outcomes. Coaching can help physicians develop the leadership skills needed to motivate their teams, foster collaboration, and drive positive change. By becoming better leaders, physicians can help their organizations achieve better results and provide better care to their patients.

In addition to these benefits, physician coaching can also help physicians navigate the complex and ever-changing landscape of healthcare. With new technologies, regulations, and policies constantly emerging, physicians need to keep up with the latest developments. Coaching can help physicians stay current and adapt to new challenges, ensuring that they can continue to provide quality care to their patients.

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Coaching, PRC