Today's Practice: Changing the Business of Medicine National Edition Q1 2018 | Page 40

P RA CT I CE MA NA GE ME NT
Physician Burnout
My personal experience is similar to many doctors in
this country. I have been in a private practice for 15
years and have seen healthcare change dramatically. My
own burnout symptoms have bubbled to the surface at
times, offset by rewarding patient encounters and
relative job stability in a volatile national employment
market.
My story does take some unexpected turns. With a
background in computer science, I have used software
development to solve workflow problems in my medical
world. In residency I built a system which managed our
complex call scheme. In fellowship I developed a search-
able echocardiogram database which is being used for
research purposes. Once in private practice I created a
software platform to manage rounding at multiple
hospitals. Over the years this product grew to include
charge capture, secure messaging and discharge manage-
ment. Ultimately, my little creation has spread to over
20 states in the US, enhancing the workflow of provid-
ers of all specialties.
Developing this software solution saved me from burn-
out. It continues to be an outlet to take control of my
work environment and institute meaningful change.
Instead of relying on out-of-touch commercial products
to dictate my workflow, I fixed it myself. Providers know
their worlds better than any computer programmer or
corporate CEO ever will, and solutions with worthwhile
results are not met with the same antagonism as prod-
ucts which merely disrupt while providing little
improvement. It is important for physicians to find
their voice and take back control of their destiny. I have
seen colleagues gravitate towards administrative roles in
the hospital or in medical societies, which can produce
Gregory Sanders, MD
the same positive effect. Lack of free time is the major
obstacle to physician participation. Attending meetings
on top of clinical responsibilities and a personal life is
simply too much for many doctors. Recently, I have
seen an emergence of innovation and startups led by
medical professionals. Whether it be devices, software
or even DNA analysis, these creative solutions from
within our field help to restore our autonomy.
Most medical professionals I encounter will proudly
state that taking care of patients - the actual practice of
medicine - is the most rewarding component of their
career. This is the driving force behind our desire to
enter medicine in the first place, so this should come as
no surprise. Finding ways to avoid burnout by becom-
ing more engaged and taking back some control will
enable physicians to enjoy once again taking care of
their patients.
meet the author:
Greg Sanders, MD
Cardiologist and CEO
HybridChart
About Hybrid Charts:
HybridChart is a mobile-friendly, HIPAA compliant, comprehen-
sive hospital charge capture system that integrates seamlessly
with various EHR and helps specialty practices increase their
revenue, streamline their discharge process to improve
readmission rates, and eliminate the headache of having all of
their information in different places. This tool puts charge
capture, census management, discharge planning, quality
metrics and secure messaging - all in the palm of the hand of
the provider at the point of care.