Newly installed medical staff leaders say they are eager to help with the process of moving JPS forward into the future.
Dr. Chet Schrader was recently named Medical Staff President while Dr. Cheryl Hurd was named Vice President. They both said they’re excited and honored to hold the positions.
“One of the biggest issues for the medical staff is that we want to be part of the decision making about the care delivered at the hospital as well as the planning process at JPS,” Schrader said. “In the past, physicians may not have always made themselves available for meetings about the budget process or strategic goals, things like that. But, right now, there is a lot of energy toward engaging with administration and toward engaging with each other. I’d like to see the dialogue continue to grow.”
Schrader said JPS President and CEO Robert Earley has cultivated a culture of engagement at the health network and doctors are eager to accept his invitation to help prepare for the future by joining the planning discussions.
Hurd said her top goals in her new position include working on practitioner wellness initiatives and improving communication between physicians. She said the pressure of making life and death decisions coupled with long hours on the job can weigh on doctors over time. It’s difficult for physicians to unburden themselves of things because, by the nature of the business, it’s both collaborative and competitive. Doctors are reluctant to share their personal issues with their peers sometimes because of concerns they’ll be criticized and judged when they’re looking for support.
“I think we need to be proactive,” Hurd said. “We need to develop activities to help prevent burnout among doctors. Sometimes, even when resources are available, physicians don’t feel comfortable reaching out. We need to make it comfortable for them to do so.”
Schrader and Hurd agreed that it’s a great time to be a doctor at JPS.
“It’s exciting to be a part of shaping the future,” Schrader said. “We’re already starting to see some robust conversations start to take place.”