From the writings of John Myrna
Over the course of my career, I’ve seen many CEOs who underutilize their teams. This letter was written in response to a New York Times article. The author’s management insight is not limited to the medical profession.
To the Editor:
There are some medical issues I wish we could end once and for all. As Theresa Brown wrote, doctor superiority, especially at the expense of nurses and other staff, is one of them.
The best doctors I know consider themselves part of a team and use the team’s knowledge to the advantage of the patient. They think “patient first” and draw on the experience of nurses, laboratory technicians and other medical professionals. The patient receives the doctor’s best treatment advice based on the collective knowledge of the team.
Doctors who accept only their own counsel are putting ego before medicine, possibly at the expense of the patient. Hospital care should be based on collective wisdom to reach the best treatment plan. Nurses, doctors and all highly trained medical professionals each have a role to play, each of which is invaluable to the patient.
HERBERT PARDES
President and Chief Executive
New York-Presbyterian Hospital
New York, May 9, 2011
Remember that your company’s most valuable asset is your team — don’t let your executive ego or thoughts of “I know best” get in the way of looking at all the pieces of the puzzle before you make a crucial decision.
