126: Leadership Insights from an Interface Professional, with Mark Schnitzer, MD

The Healthcare QualityCast

Dr. Mark Schnitzer is an experienced Surgeon, Educator, Physician Advisor, Medical Director, and Consultant. An interest in processes and mathematics led him to pursue an unlikely course of pre-medical study, electrical engineering. It was during his Ph.D. studies that he applied to medical school and completed his MSEE and MD concurrently. He completed his clinical training in neurological surgery and a fellowship in neurosciences critical care at The Johns Hopkins Hospital. His final year at Johns Hopkins was in the role of Assistant Chief of Service. Most recently, he has taken on the role of medical director for a large accountable care organization, part of the Baylor Scott & White Health System, based in Dallas, TX. Mark is board certified in healthcare quality and management by the American Board of Quality Assurance and Utilization Review Physicians with added qualification as a Physician Advisor. He is a certified professional in healthcare quality by the National Association for Healthcare Quality and is certified by the American Society for Quality as a Six Sigma Black Belt. Additionally, he is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. Mark has provided several invited presentations in the areas of healthcare informatics and patient safety, and he serves as an examiner for the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. Mark considers himself an interface professional, like most clinicians who have transitioned into healthcare leadership roles. He maintains a state of constant inquiry and curiosity with the ever-present thought, “There is something I do not know, the knowing of which could change everything.” Here in episode #126 Mark starts our show with a quote that is guaranteed to keep you on your toes when applied. Mark highlights his career path going from a humble start as an electrical engineer, to leading a world-class accountable care organization. He shares several insights on his transitions into executive and quality leadership. Mark spotlights his approach to continuous personal development. Mark tells a phenomenal story of resiliency as he bounces back from a major personal and professional loss. He tells us how he leverages the power of coaching to develop great teams. Mark highlights the value of physicians learning the business and operational makeup of their health care organization. He shares his excitement for the future potential of ACOs. He coins a new term for us to engage with as quality professionals. Mark places a call to action for leaders to support quality improvement initiatives within their organization and leaves us with his best career advice encouraging us to jump first and then grow our wings. • Connect with Mark on LinkedIn • Access the Healthcare QualityCast LinkedIn Group • Leaves Us a Rating • Earn Your Lean Six Sigma for Healthcare Certification • Request a Corporate Demo of our online QI Academy --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/healthcarequalitycast/message