An interesting conundrumI call the Physician Conundrum exists in the world of today.

I wanted to share, with this group in particular, something I’ve noticed amongst my peers. We have an interesting level of paranoia, as a field, because we work so hard to be who we are, and then people try to take advantage of us (ie corporate takeovers, etc). So we naturally put up an armor, for protection.

But then people come along – especially peers/colleagues – who work really really hard to build something impactful that can bring about change.

And what do we do?

We pull the armor out.
How are they taking advantage of us?
Why should they be the ones who create the solution?
Who are they??

It’s a serious conundrum that holds us back and prevents us from making progress.

What we need – and I’ve said this from day one – is a space where everyone who wants to bring about change can both:
speak up about what they’re doing
get a chance to explain themselves
agree to be skewered with questions that pierce their idea/venture
get an opportunity to answer questions, so that others who don’t understand the model, or openly criticize, can have their criticisms challenged.

It’s what they do in politics when they come together for a debate. Gives both sides a chance to be heard.

I’ve tried to build this for some time, and even worked with Mitch Li, MD on this idea when we created Physician Village (our attempt at a bias-free zone to connect) and tried refining it so that it could survive. Alas, it did not. But I’m now re-energized to run this.

I’m happy to chat with anyone who likes this and believes THIS is how we will start making progress in healthcare – by respectfully bringing all sides to the talking table and allowing them to speak. Regardless of their advocacy, their business model, their political affiliation, etc. Just pure respectful idea exchange.

Who’s with me?

Come to the lecture called “The Physician Conundrum: Why We Can’t Innovate Quicker in Medicine, coming soon here!