GI Outlook (GO) 2022 Practice Management & Leadership Conference –Getting Back to the Future of Gastroenterology | August 2022-03_2022 Succession Planning

03_2022 Succession Planning - Vicari

Pdf Summary

Succession planning is the strategy and process of identifying and developing future leaders within an organization. It is important to start early, preferably 2-5 years in advance of a leadership transition, in order to ensure successful operations and eliminate confusion. The organization should have a clear vision, be flexible, and keep an open mind throughout the succession planning process.<br /><br />Some of the important personal characteristics to identify in future physician leaders include integrity, excellent communication skills, the ability to compromise, strong listening skills, fairness, and compassion. Physician leaders should also be able to think critically and analytically, be team players, and put patients first.<br /><br />Education is an important component of succession planning. Physicians should become members of finance or operations committees, attend local and national leadership courses, and consider formal education programs such as those offered by the American Association for Physician Leadership. Mentoring is another important aspect, as it allows for on-the-job learning, supervision, and insight into organizational leadership culture.<br /><br />Rockford Gastroenterology Associates has had a successful experience with succession planning. They identified an internal candidate, emphasized the importance of building relationships, and had a formal overlap of leadership for a year. The outgoing physician leader remained available to the new leader post-transition.<br /><br />Key characteristics of Dr. Joseph J. Vicari, the author of the document, include integrity, the ability to listen and compromise, servant leadership, and putting patients first.<br /><br />In summary, succession planning is crucial for the future success of an organization. It involves identifying future leaders, developing their skills and knowledge through education and mentoring, and ensuring a smooth transition of leadership.

Keywords

succession planning

future leaders

organization

leadership transition

physician leaders

education

mentoring

integrity

communication skills

putting patients first