Issue link: https://beckershealthcare.uberflip.com/i/254641
34 Key Specialties Also, I make every effort to be consistent in how I handle various clinical scenarios. This allows my clinical staff to accurately predict how I would handle common patient-related issues, and manage them based on my preferences. Lastly, I regularly express my appreciation to those who de- serve it, whether it's a kind word, a gift certificate or a token of my gratitude for a job well done. Q: What are some ways in which you keep the aspect of team- work alive at your medical practice? Dr. Carlson: We use a group meeting for our practice engagement quarterly to re-focus our goals. We are able to bring out new programs, new activities and re-affirm the values of the practice. This meeting allows all employees access to the management with any questions and concerns. This exchange of ideas is then pushed throughout the next few months as new processes are implemented. Employees feel appreciated for having their input heard and feel part of the process of the growing practice. Many practices have gotten rid of the social programs at their offices as the economy has gotten weaker. We still believe that our employees are the life- blood of our practice and want to treat them as integral parts of our team. We want to reward our employees with summer socials, Christmas parties and other special themes throughout the year. This lets the employees know that the physicians are grateful for their active engagement in the success of the practice. Dr. Oh: Having robust bonuses are important, for instance incentivizing people by number of surgeries is good idea. This is over and above the base salary. So if someone comes in for a cardiac procedure and it is close to the end of the day staff members who are incentivized by number of surgeries are more likely to stay the extra ten minutes to make the call to the surgeon. Another is having nice parties or events, such as holiday parties and happy hours. These make them feel appreciated. Also, this should not be a luxury but should be a team building exercise. Q: how does staff engagement factor into the overall success of a medical practice? Dr. Carlson: Our staff is the face of the practice to everyone that comes through our doors. If they are not happy, this shows in their interactions with patients. Our staff understands that success in the practice comes back to their wages and employment. The doctors understand the inter- action they have with staff, affects the [interaction] the staff has with patients. We all work for the same goal of practice success. Without a full team, we all lose. Dr. Loftus: Staff engagement is one of the most important factors in the overall success of the practice. I try to weed out employees that do not, at a very minimum, seem to engage [in the] overall focus and direction of the practice. If they are not engaged, they will never meet the expecta- tions of those that are and will never attempt to improve the status quo of the practice. Dr. Roh: Clearly, an engaged staff member is a tremendous asset to any medi- cal practice. Patients can often sense when the practice is focused and enjoys itself, versus a tense or disinterested environment. Our patients will some- times comment on how obvious it is that we enjoy what we do, which adds to their feeling of confidence that they are receiving excellent medical attention. Every employee plays a vital role, and the practice can only flourish when everyone is engaged and doing their very best work. n