How to Achieve Success As a Medical and Health Services Manager
Medical and health services managers, also known as healthcare administrators, are responsible for the overall operations of healthcare facilities or departments, such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, or public health organizations. To be a good medical and health services manager, you should:
- Develop strong technical knowledge: This includes understanding the healthcare industry, regulatory requirements, and best practices for patient care and service delivery.
- Build strong leadership skills: This includes the ability to lead and manage teams, communicate effectively, and make decisions that are in the best interest of patients and the organization.
- Foster a culture of teamwork and collaboration: A good health manager should create a work environment where staff feels valued, supported, and empowered to do their best work.
- Stay up-to-date with industry trends and innovations: Health managers should be proactive in seeking out new information and resources to improve patient care and stay ahead of industry changes.
- Be a good listener and communicator: Health managers must be able to listen to the needs and concerns of patients, staff, and other stakeholders and communicate information clearly and effectively.
- Embrace technology: Health managers should be familiar with health information technology and use data to inform decision-making and improve healthcare delivery.
- Demonstrate ethical behavior: Health managers must act with integrity and maintain the highest standards of professional conduct at all times.
- Continuously improve: Good health managers are always looking for ways to improve patient care and the overall efficiency of healthcare delivery, and are committed to their own personal and professional development.
Remember, becoming a good medical and health services manager takes time, effort, and dedication. It is important to stay focused on your goals, be open to new opportunities, and continuously work on developing the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this field.
To succeed in a career as a medical and health services manager, you should:
- Pursue relevant education and training: A master's degree in healthcare administration, business administration, or a related field is often required for senior positions in this field. Pursuing additional certifications, such as the Professional in Healthcare Management (PHM) credential, can also demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field.
- Gain experience: Start by gaining experience in healthcare delivery or administrative roles and work your way up. Seek out opportunities for professional development and growth, such as attending conferences and workshops or participating in industry organizations.
- Build a strong network: Connect with other healthcare professionals, industry experts, and mentors to expand your knowledge and stay informed about trends and innovations in the field.
- Develop strong leadership and interpersonal skills: These skills are essential for effective communication, building trust with staff and patients, and managing teams effectively.
- Stay up-to-date with industry changes and regulations: Keep abreast of changes in healthcare policies, regulations, and best practices, and understand the implications for your organization and patients.
- Foster a culture of quality and efficiency: Create a work environment that encourages staff to continually improve and strive for excellence in patient care and service delivery.
- Embrace technology and data-driven decision-making: Health information technology is playing an increasingly important role in healthcare delivery, so it is essential to stay up-to-date with technology trends and use data to inform decision-making.
- Continuously improve: Seek out opportunities for personal and professional growth, stay informed about industry trends, and continuously work on developing the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in your career.
Remember, success in a career as a medical and health services manager requires hard work, dedication, and a commitment to excellence. By continuously improving and staying focused on your goals, you can achieve a rewarding and fulfilling career in this field.
Who are successful Medical and Health Services Managers?
Successful medical and healthcare services managers are individuals who have achieved excellence in their careers and made a significant impact in the healthcare industry. Some well-known successful medical and healthcare services managers include:
- Mark T. Bertolini: Mark T. Bertolini is the former CEO of Aetna, one of the largest health insurance companies in the United States. He is known for his innovative approach to healthcare and his commitment to improving the quality of care for patients.
- Karen DeSalvo: Karen DeSalvo is a physician and former National Coordinator for Health Information Technology, where she played a key role in the development and implementation of electronic health records and other health information technology initiatives.
- Mark B. McClellan: Mark B. McClellan is a physician and economist who served as Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration and Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, where he played a key role in improving the quality and efficiency of healthcare delivery.
- Atul Gawande: Atul Gawande is a physician, author, and public health researcher who is known for his work on healthcare quality, cost, and outcomes. He is the founder of Ariadne Labs, a joint center for health systems innovation, and a staff writer for The New Yorker magazine.
- David B. Nash: David B. Nash is a physician and health services researcher who is known for his work on improving the quality and efficiency of healthcare delivery. He is the founder and dean of the Jefferson College of Population Health, and a leading voice in the healthcare industry.
These are just a few examples of successful medical and healthcare services managers who have made a significant impact in the industry. Their leadership, vision, and commitment to improving healthcare delivery have set them apart and earned them recognition as some of the most successful medical and healthcare services managers of our time.