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Tip of the week: Develop a framework for exploring diversity-related conflicts

Medical Staff Leader Connection, September 23, 2009

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Medical staff leaders need to be cognizant of diversity-related conflicts between individual members of the medical staff, as well as conflicts between medical staff members and hospital staff with culturally diverse backgrounds. Here are some tips to help you develop a successful leadership approach to managing diversity:

• Demonstrate models of direct communication between individuals of differing cultural/ethnic backgrounds with the purpose of ascertaining how these differences might affect the interaction between medical staff members
• Provide books, audio materials, and charts highlighting major differences regarding diet, healthcare, and other cultural norms
• Develop policies and procedures related to managing diversity that can be used by the organization concerning holidays, holy days, etc.
• Work with the dietary department to offer foods to accommodate the needs and preferences of all providers, patients, and employees
• Provide resources with detailed information about various cultures, including the Office of Minority Health Resource Center at the Health Resources and Services Administration, EthnoMed, Diversity Rx, and the American Medical Student Association.

This week’s tip is adapted from The Medical Staff Leaders’ Practical Guide, Sixth Edition, by William K. Cors, MD, MMM, FACPE, CMSL; Mary J. Hoppa, MD, MBA, CMSL; and Richard A. Sheff, MD, CMSL.

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