Empowering Clinical Leaders with USACS Executive Coaching Program
USACS is built on a promise: to deliver care without compromise led by those who live it. Central to our promise is the development of clinical leaders, those of today and of tomorrow. The USACS Executive Coaching Program is one of many resources designed with this priority in mind. Free for our Physicians and APPs, the program aims to empower high potential healthcare professionals. It offers a tailored approach to personal and occupational problem solving, enabling our colleagues to achieve their objectives through one-on-one engagement.
It is all thanks to our certified executive coaches that we have created such an unmatched program. Our exemplary team includes EM Residency Program Director, Robert Blankenship, MD, FACEP, Chief of Engagement and Talent Management, Jayne Kendall, MD, MBA, FACEP, CDE, CPE, National Director of Professional Development, Orion Colfer, MD, FACEP, and Chair, East Division, Michael Silverman, MD. Given their role as Physician Leaders, they are uniquely positioned to facilitate insightful conversation. They serve as a vital sounding board in driving clarity, direction, and action.
In Dr. Blankenship’s words, “An executive coach meets you where you are and takes you where you want to go. By focusing on clear, measurable targets, our colleagues gain self-awareness and elevate their contributions. Our program is geared toward top performers who are motivated to become wildly effective Physicians and APPs. We know that the better they are as leaders, the better we are as a team.”
“To this point, executive coaching is not punitive,” Dr. Kendall adds. “In fact, it is quite the opposite. We invest in those who are ready to reach the next level. We see an opportunity to truly amplify their impact. The experience usually begins with a referral from a Regional Vice President or Medical Director. They may have a team member who could benefit from executive coaching or has expressed an interest.”
Upon receiving a referral, our executive coaches hold a preliminary meeting with the Physician or APP. If both parties are on board, they kick off their sessions within a confidential space. Topics often encompass communication, executive presence, process management, team building, talent development, succession planning, and more. Specific issues can be explored as well, such as navigating a difficult HR discussion or cultivating a productive relationship with a nurse manager.
As Dr. Colfer describes, “Executive coaching leverages personalized solutions that can be instrumental for diverse problems. For instance, graduates of the USACS Scholars Program have come to us for interview preparation when applying for directorships. In these situations, we first consider our colleague’s distinct ambitions and responsibilities. Next, we craft a practical plan for presenting themselves and their accomplishments. The strategic dialogue ensures they have the competency and confidence to excel.”
“On top of interview preparation, time management is another prime example,” Dr. Silverman remarks. “When handling this subject, alternative learning methods tend to rely on universal principles. In contrast, we ask questions. We listen to the individual’s thoughts regarding their habits and schedule. Moreover, we do not suggest the ‘right’ thing to do. Instead, we help them find their own path to success. Our emphasis on discovery and accountability accelerates progress and supports a sustainable routine.”
Dependent on the challenge at hand, engagements with an executive coach can vary in length. The typical range is four weeks to 18 months, with longer engagements relating to behavioral or cultural dynamics. These dynamics may require robust tactics to be ingrained or stakeholders to be involved. The timeframe and scope are at the discretion of the Physician, APP, and their executive coach and may be altered based on the desired results.
Elaborating further, Dr. Blankenship explains, “There are circumstances in which we extend an engagement beyond original parameters. One case comes from a Medical Director who was referred to us to improve a particular skill. The outcomes were tremendous, and the individual was promoted to System Medical Director. Recognizing the promotion would demand new expertise, they asked to continue meeting. We shifted our attention to address key obligations like delegating tasks and nurturing leaders underneath them.”
“This adaptability is essential to doing what is best for our colleagues,” Dr. Kendall notes. “We want to give them tools for immediate and future application. By the end of an engagement, our intent is to foster independence. They can learn the process to make changes without an executive coach and in alternate scenarios. It is the lasting payoff that inspires continual growth across every area of their lives.”
Within this framework, executive coaching does not only assist the participants; it causes valuable ripple effects. Our leaders implement their knowledge in the systems that our Physicians and APPs work in around the clock. In doing so, they leave a lasting imprint on their work environments and on the quality of our patient care. In the end, this is our goal—to remain united in the enhancement, expansion, and retention of our clinical teams.
To quote Dr. Colfer, “Our internal model is simply a standout in the current landscape. While executive coaching is commonplace in other fields, it is rarely offered in healthcare in this fashion. We garner trust with our colleagues and eliminate the financial burden of paying for external services. They do not have to spend thousands of dollars to advance their careers. We can meet their needs right here.”
“These efforts ultimately reflect our identity as a Physician-owned practice,” Dr. Silverman affirms. “Executive coaching brings us together as partners to identify avenues for evolution and fulfillment. It opens doors to rewarding exchanges that fuel critical thinking and emotional intelligence. We believe it is a joy to be part of this collaborative journey and encourage anyone curious to reach out!”