Jarrod Shapiro, DPM
Practice Perfect Editor
Assistant Professor,
Dept. of Podiatric Medicine,
Surgery & Biomechanics
College of Podiatric Medicine
Western University of
Health Sciences,
St. Pomona, CA

Committee Work: Good for the Doctor's Soul – and Business

Recently, I started on a new committee at one of my local hospitals. It seems this past year has been my year of committees. For some reason, between the university and hospitals, I'm starting to accrue increasing amounts of organizational experience. Over the past year or so, I've been appointed as either a member of or chair of five different committees. Throughout my almost seven years in practice, I've tried to be involved in different committees, with the express purpose of increasing my practice exposure to other physicians and healthcare professionals. Despite the draw on one's time, participation in committees is highly educational, often profitable, and personally rewarding. Allow me to count the benefits with you...

Hospital Knowledge and Perspective

At each meeting I've attended, I have come away with some new piece of knowledge and perspective. For example, being on a hospital committee helps one gain perspective about the managerial workings of the hospital, as well as the interpersonal relationships between various physicians and staff. When new at a hospital, this is a great way to learn the social ropes as well as increasing the number of potential referring physicians.

It is also handy from a practice perspective. As a member of the Surgical Committee, I am in a position to receive early notice about issues concerning my partners (I have quite a few now) as it relates to surgical privileges, etc. This is very helpful for my superiors, who must juggle a good number of people covering several hospitals. An early heads up is always useful for planning.

On a personal note, being on a surgical committee has taught me a significant amount about the technical aspects of the operating room. For example, I sat in on a meeting in which a company that recycles and reprocesses surgical materials detailed the surgery committee. I was previously unaware of the potential cost savings of safely recycling surgical materials and learned a few other details about hospital functions.

Tonight's Premier Lecture is
Evaluation and Conservative Care
of Ankle Sprains
Marie Williams, DPM

Administrative Benefits

As an assistant professor of Western University's College of Podiatric Medicine, I also have administrative committee responsibilities. One of my more significant ones is as the chair of our Student Performance and Professionalism Committee. This is the committee that deals with student academic and performance issues, and it can be a tough one. However, as difficult as it is to work with students having academic or professionalism challenges, I have learned a great deal about the strengths and weaknesses of committees.

I have to say the one most significant lesson I've learned is about listening to others' perspectives and opinions. Its amazing how another member of the committee has an opinion that is often so different from mine, but when considered carefully, is highly enlightening. This is the strength of working with a variety of people to affect a particular goal. One's perspective is often altered in a very positive manner.

The Drawbacks

Probably the one big drawback to committee work is the extra time lost, especially if you are the chair or highly functioning member. This brings up an interesting concept that applies well to any endeavor in which groups of people work together: the Pareto Principle. This is also known as the 80/20 rule in which 80% of the effect comes from 20% of the cause. In this case, 80% of the work is done by 20% of the people. And it's definitely true. I've been on a couple of committees in which the vast majority of the work is done by a small number of people, the drivers of change.

This drawback is a small one and should not stop any doctor from engaging in the medical environment. I highly recommend committee work. It's easy to start. Simply contact your local hospital medical staff office and let them know you are interested in serving on a committee. You'll never expect the benefits that come with this service work. Good luck on your next committee appointment.