How can you address power imbalances when working with physicians?

Fostering an inclusive culture is key. Encourage open dialogue, value diverse perspectives, and promote collaborative decision-making. By acknowledging and addressing power imbalances, we create a more equitable and effective working relationship with physicians. #InclusiveLeadership #Collaboration

One thing I've found helpful in my years of working alongside dozens of surgeons is to understand the person. This will always apply to patients and co-workers alike. Every physician is different and has a unique style. You also, have your own unique style and bring advantages to the table at a different level. Being confident in your own skills, encouraging open dialogue, and joining forces in a work environment where everyone is heard and has an opportunity to promote both their own and others skills and strengths will foster a healthy environment to promote equity and encourage conversation.

To address power imbalances when working with physicians, it's important to foster open communication, encourage mutual respect, establish clear roles and responsibilities, promote teamwork and collaboration, ensure all voices are heard, and provide training on power dynamics.

To understand and deal with the word power ,is a long way to go . Every people is different. Every patient is unique and every physician/ surgeon/ paramedic is different. Key point of the issue is to develop two way response between patient and the whole health care team . There are situations where many limitations. But it can be overcome when physician and his/her team make trust . In many countries physician work under physical and psychologycal pressure but they can overcome those situations by taking lessons from their previous situations. And physicians/ surgeons are not angels . They may make mistake. But best way is understand the issue and take preventive measures, not to happen again .

Best way for managing the patient effectively is listen him/her carefully and with sympathy. Patient and his/ her companion/ guardian will believe that this health care team will do everything to cure the sufferings / save the life of victim. And the management plan should be shared with nearest persons of the patient and to patient too. Some times palliative care is needed , which may continue life long . But the patient/relative must be encouraged always .

Plan of treatment may vary from physician to physician, even from country to country . My observation from last pandemic COVID-19, management plan was different from country to country. Even in same country ( In Bangladesh) , different physician approached in different way . Some medicines were used which were not actually medication for that specific pandemic. I can say ,it was a trial. But before treatment, patients/ relatives were explained clearly that we are trying but we can not give the result . In those days every one understood our limitation . Before arrival of vaccination for COVID-19, our only way of management was accept limitations and manage with the limited resources and standard infection COVID-19 protocol.We succeeded.

Yes , conflict may arise . Best way to respond, leave ego , use positive way of communication and not try win when any one start blaming. Basic way is to follow the medical ethics of the country and law of the land. Most important is self control , in all the steps of the issue .

A team work is always helpful. Taking suggestions from seniors and cauleagues is a wise way to guide . And accept those advice and make correction in way of journey as a physician/ health care professionals.