Getting Out From Behind the Paraffin Curtain

A must-to-read Editorial on pathologist's career with a focus on the political efforts needed  to achieve a good work quality and the consideration deserved among clinician colleagues and hospital administrators. To get out from behind the paraffin curtain.

Many pathologists, especially those who maintain contracts with hospitals and other providers, possess keen political skills. They have learned how to keep clinicians happy with the accuracy and alacrity of laboratory services, administrators satisfied with efficiency and financial performance, and technical personnel content with working conditions. [...] As pathologists' careers develop, they are often called on to be leaders. Some are uncomfortable in leadership positions, their careers to date having been founded mostly on individual achievement. The reluctant leader should not be dissuaded by lack of leadership experience. Often the best leaders are those who did not seek out the position but developed their own style as they adapted to the demands of the position. [...] Other challenges include learning to delegate (and follow up on delegated tasks), providing encouragement and inspiration to team members (some of whom may be quite hard-boiled and cynical), and occasionally standing up for the team when it is under assault by powerful factions, including clinicians and other clients. This last challenge takes no small measure of courage and equanimity. [...] The pathologist/politician/leader is commonly confronted by ethical issues. We typically serve multiple masters, including patients, administrators, clinicians, and regulatory agencies. We need to be sensitive to their conflicting agendas. Medical ethics is a complex field [...]  Nevertheless, building a reputation for incorruptibility does foster trust, and trust is fertile ground for opportunity.

Edward O. Uthman (2014) Getting Out From Behind the Paraffin Curtain. Archives of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine: January 2014, Vol. 138, No. 1, pp. 12-13.

Happy New Year 2014.