Ep. 189 Trauma Surgery to Conflict Resolution: Dr. Shannon Fosterās Journey to Healing Healthcare Teams
š Episode Highlights
Career Evolution and Motivation
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Dr. Foster shares her journey from growing up in a working-class family in Ohio to becoming a trauma surgeon.
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Discusses how experiences in diverse healthcare settingsāfrom academic to ruralārevealed widespread communication issues.
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COVID-19 became a catalyst for shifting toward consulting, helping physicians navigate workplace conflicts.
Identifying Workplace Problems and Seeking Help
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Common issues include HR conflicts, legal concerns, or interpersonal problems affecting clinical performance.
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Dr. Fosterās process involves deeply exploring the context, policies, and communications surrounding a conflict.
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Listeners can connect with her:
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š smffacilitation.com
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š§ [email protected]
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Understanding Institutional Policies and Employee Rights
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Importance of knowing:
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Employment contracts
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Policy manuals
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Bylaws and HR reporting protocols
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Transparency in areas like workload distribution and salary is key to preventing misunderstandings.
Communication and Healthy Relationships
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Communication is crucial for maintaining healthy workplace dynamics.
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Misalignments in team vision often escalate into conflict.
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Encourages proactive relationship-building to foster respect and mutual support.
Elevating Issues and Defining Bullying and Harassment
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How to recognize when issues should go to HR or legal:
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Bullying = misuse of authority to undermine others
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Harassment = violation of personal autonomy (includes sexual harassment and interference with patient care)
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Positive conflict can drive growth; negative conflict damages morale and productivity.
Strategies for Individuals and Departments
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Leadership skills and talent management are vital for a healthy team culture.
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Encourages leaders to:
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Improve meeting structures
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Ensure all voices are heard
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Align team visions to reduce conflict
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Business Information and Goal
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Dr. Foster offers a 30-minute free consultation for individuals or organizations seeking help with workplace conflict.
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Her mission: support surgeonsā well-being and retention in the workforce, ultimately improving patient care.
ā Action Items
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Reach out to Dr. Foster:
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Website: smffacilitation.com
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Email: [email protected]
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Take advantage of the free 30-minute consultation if facing workplace challenges.
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Review your institutional policies and communication strategies to prevent conflict escalation.