"Through the Eyes of the Innocent"

by Hal Ornstein DPM, FACFAS and Lynn Homisak, PRT

Recently we had the good fortune of speaking with the students at the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine about practice management.  It is so enjoyable to help influence such un-adulterated minds, and quite frustrating that they often are victim to such negativism about their future and that of our profession.  There is clearly a void of practice management education delivered to them while at the schools, especially as it relates to staff management.

Our graduates are better trained than ever with multi-year residency programs.  With this confidence in delivering quality medicine comes a parallel belief that they understand how to run an office.  As a new associate, they are often out to show that they are “in control” and treat the staff with a particular lack of respect.  They are not aware that the staff can run circles around them on communicating with patients, effective patient flow and patient satisfaction.  A tug of war ensues which unfortunately results in a “winner and loser”.

To avoid this painful scenario, start a dialogue early on in your relationship with this new associate to lay some groundwork for a win-win situation.  Communicate that you appreciate their stellar education and their ability to provide excellent care to your patients.  Offer to spend time with them to each week to help educate them on the front office, back office and billing.  Let them know you are there to help them be more efficient, while working smarter and with less stress.  In turn, you would appreciate them offering their suggestions to improve the office and patient care, as well as sharing with you their knowledge of podiatric medicine and surgery.

They will feel right at home by you letting them know that you are looking forward to spending many hours together each week, and look forward to a long and rewarding relationship.