A Baylor networking program piloting with the Faculty Group Practice launched in February, just one component of the Physician and Scientist Satisfaction Initiative of the Center for Professionalism in Medicine.
Called Professionalism and Engagement Elevating Physician and Scientist Satisfaction, or PEEPSS, the networking program kicked off Feb. 20 at Third Coast restaurant with about 35 clinician participants. They were divided into three groups, which each will meet monthly over the next six months to build a close network of colleagues.
Goals of the program are to increase familiarity among clinicians, improve their sense of connection to one another and potentially increase their referral network.
“I’m so excited to launch the PEEPSS program and our other satisfaction efforts, because I think our faculty is eager to engage more with one another. We hope this will be a positive experience where they will build lasting and meaningful collegial relationships,” said Dr. Ellen Friedman, director of the Center for Professionalism in Medicine and professor of pediatrics – otolaryngology.
The engagement and satisfaction initiative also is supported by clinical operations.
The inaugural PEEPSS meeting started with a prompt from Friedman to discuss something that had gone well recently in clinic, and how to build on that success. Each group was asked to spend about 10 to 15 minutes discussing this topic, but then were free to discuss whatever they wished. Subsequent meetings of the PEEPSS groups will follow the same format, with a light dinner provided at each get-together by the Center for Professionalism. Each group selected a leader to coordinate future meetings.
But PEEPSS is just one part of a broader initiative. Other efforts to boost faculty engagement include Lunch with the Boss and Walk in My Shoes.
Lunch with the Boss is just as it sounds – lunch with Baylor President, CEO and Executive Dean Dr. Paul Klotman. These lunches are held every other month in the President’s Office with 10 faculty randomly selected to attend based on their birth date. Several have been held so far, with positive feedback from faculty and from Dr. Klotman. Most any topic is up for discussion, and lunch is provided.
Walk in My Shoes is a shadowing program that pairs physicians with clinical administrators and leaders, aimed at building knowledge, trust and engagement between people in different roles.
Dr. Jim McDeavitt, senior vice president and dean of clinical affairs, is a big fan of Walk in My Shoes. He already has been paired with Dr. Benjamin Musher, professor of medicine – hematology/oncology, and will continue these shadowing efforts throughout the year. “I think the shadowing program will be a valuable experience for clinicians and administrators with the potential for them to learn quite a bit from one another in a way that will positively impact our clinics,” McDeavitt said.
Find more information online about the Physician and Scientist Satisfaction Initiative, and to get involved email Dr. Ellen Friedman at ellenf@bcm.edu.
-By Dana Benson
BCM Family 