Richard S. Isaacs, MD, FACS, shares secrets to keeping physicians and staff creative and engaged

To keep physicians and staff creative and motivated, it’s important to get them excited about coming up with new ideas including those that could improve outcomes and help control costs, Richard S. Isaacs, MD, FACS, CEO and executive director of The Permanente Medical Group (TPMG), said in a recent interview with Managed Healthcare Executive.

Dr. Isaacs, who also is president and CEO of the Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group and co-CEO of The Permanente Federation, said the best way to encourage creativity is to cultivate an environment in which physicians and staff feel empowered.

Dr. Isaacs shared that he is also a strong proponent of JAMM — Joy and Meaning in Medicine — which is a strategic priority utilized by TPMG to support physicians in connecting to their joy and purpose.

“We are gathering data from our physicians to understand the factors that affect JAMM in their work, which means our physicians have a voice and role in designing initiatives to promote fulfilling careers at TPMG,” he said.

“For example, feedback from our physicians has prompted new performance measures that incentivize the reduction of clerical burden and broadened professional development opportunities across their career continuum.”

Note: Read the full story on the Managed Healthcare Executive site.