In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host Daniel Williams welcomes Christi Siedlecki, CEO of Grants Pass Clinic and former President of Oregon MGMA, to discuss the unique challenges facing late-career healthcare leaders. Their conversation touches on critical issues such as succession planning, workforce shortages and the importance of mentorship for seasoned leaders. With over 36 years of leadership experience, Siedlecki offers insights into how healthcare leaders can prepare the next generation to step into key roles.
Challenges for Late-Career Leaders
Today’s rapidly changing healthcare environment presents many challenges to late-career leaders. One major challenge Siedlecki highlights is, "With the way that our demographics in America are shifting, we’re having a lot more people who need healthcare services and fewer people to provide them," she explains. This has made it increasingly difficult for healthcare organizations to recruit the staff they need, especially in primary care settings.
Rising costs and declining revenues are two other concerns that many independent practices are experiencing. “Independent primary care practices have been among the most hit,” Siedlecki notes, adding that this financial strain makes it even harder to remain competitive when recruiting physicians and healthcare staff.
Succession Planning and Workforce Development
One of the most significant issues discussed was the challenge of succession planning. Many late-career leaders worry about finding a capable successor to take over their roles. "A lot of us are wondering, in this environment, who's going to take over our job someday?" Siedlecki says. "I’ve heard a lot of people say they feel stuck. They love their organization and they don’t want to pass it off until they feel confident that they have a successor."
This concern is compounded by the fact that many seasoned leaders feel a strong connection to their teams and communities. They want to ensure that the organization’s mission continues to be upheld even after they step down. For independent practices like Grants Pass Clinic, this is particularly critical, as these organizations often operate with fewer resources than larger healthcare systems.
The Importance of Mentorship
Mentorship plays a key role in preparing future leaders, and Siedlecki emphasizes its importance throughout the episode. Reflecting on her own career, she shared how the former CEO of Grants Pass Clinic mentored her during his final year, helping her develop the skills she would need to step into his role. “Mentoring others is just part of leadership team development," she says. "It keeps me fresh, it keeps me strong and I learn as much from my mentees as they learn from me."
Mentorship is not just about passing on knowledge; it’s about fostering a culture of leadership within the organization. Siedlecki stresses that mentoring younger leaders is essential to ensure the long-term success of any healthcare practice. “When you achieve one of the top roles within your organization, mentoring others is just part of your leadership team development," she notes.
Maintaining Relevance and Avoiding Burnout
For leaders who have been in the industry for several decades, staying relevant in an ever-changing healthcare landscape can be challenging. “We've identified that some people are facing financial management, recruiting issues at work, staying current with technology,” Siedlecki points out. These leaders must continually evolve their skills and adapt to new industry trends, from digital health tools to changes in regulatory requirements.
Burnout is another significant concern, especially for those juggling the demands of their job with personal responsibilities like caring for aging parents or grandchildren. “Work-life balance is another issue,” Siedlecki explaines. “By the time you’ve gotten to this point in your career, you’re often taking care of others at home.”
A Focus on Community and Employee Engagement
Siedlecki also highlightes the importance of community and employee engagement in sustaining healthcare organizations over the long term. Grants Pass Clinic, a multi-specialty clinic in Southern Oregon, has been serving its community for over 75 years. The clinic remains committed to providing high-quality care, both to its patients and its employees. For example, during Employee Appreciation Week, the clinic holds events to celebrate staff members and boost morale.
"We spend the full week putting a little extra emphasis into recognizing and having fun with everyone here in the clinic," Siedlecki shares. Events like these not only foster a sense of camaraderie among staff but also help combat burnout by reminding employees that their hard work is appreciated.
Looking Ahead to the MGMA Leaders Conference
As Siedlecki prepares for her upcoming presentation at the MGMA Leaders Conference, she is focused on creating a session that addresses the real-world challenges late-career leaders face. The session, co-led with Jill Berger, will explore topics such as financial management, recruiting issues, and the role of mentoring in leadership development.
“We’re really focusing on what people want to talk about,” Siedlecki says. She and Berger surveyed attendees to ensure that the session would be participant-driven and tailored to the needs of late-career healthcare leaders. “I find that leaders have usually some pretty strong opinions about how they want things to go, so we should be able to work with that.”
For those interested in attending the session, Late Careerist Leaders in Healthcare will take place on Sunday, October 6, 2024, from 2:35 PM to 4:00 PM MST at the MGMA Leaders Conference.
Resources:
- MGMA Leaders Conference - Register Here
- MGMA Mentorship Program - Learn More Here
- Grants Pass Clinic
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