• E-mail
• Print
• RSS

A little positive feedback goes a long way

Credentialing Resource Center Connection, September 24, 2003

Want to receive articles like this one in your inbox? Subscribe to Credentialing Resource Center Connection!

Dear Credentialing Colleague:

Have you ever heard the adage, "It's not so much what you say, it's how you say it"? This pearl of wisdom comes in handy when communicating with the medical staff. Comments such as "Hey, good job Bill!" or "Kate, I want to congratulate you on the spectacular results you achieved for us!" or "Without people like you, George, our organization wouldn't be nearly as good as it is!" go a long way toward fostering loyalty and long-lasting commitment to the organization.

Now consider the standard letter your hospital sends to newly appointed medical staff members. Is it worthy of a frame? Would you display it proudly on your office wall? Is it likely to assist in fostering a true, long-lasting commitment between the hospital and the physician?

The answers to these questions are apparent. Our current acceptance "mechanisms" don't really convey the importance of the event to new applicants. They do not celebrate the success achieved, nor do they cultivate (even in a small way) commitment and loyalty. In my many years of visiting health care facilities, I have never seen a framed certificate signifying a physician's medical staff membership.

I have, however, seen such a certificate elsewhere. It was indeed framed, yet no longer proudly displayed on an office wall. The certificate, complete with elegant lettering and high-quality paper, proclaimed the following:

Massachusetts Memorial Hospitals, Boston
This certifies that at a meeting of the board of trustees
David M. Greeley, MD
Was appointed to the Medical Staff as
Assistant Visiting Physician
For the year ending March 31, 1953

I found it in an old steamer trunk in my mother's attic. It is interesting that such a simple act could have such long-lasting value to the individual involved. For my father to keep that certificate all those years, it must have signified a very proud moment in his career. He always spoke of his medical staff membership fondly, and his commitment to the organization never wavered--even when his career took him elsewhere.

We can always improve our systems. Occasionally, a look to the past can help.

That's all for this week.

All the best,

Hugh Greeley

Want to receive articles like this one in your inbox? Subscribe to Credentialing Resource Center Connection!

• E-mail to a Colleague
• Print
• RSS
• Archive