By: John A. Pope, MD, MPH, chief medical officer, HonorHealth Scottsdale Shea Medical Center, HonorHealth network patient safety officer

When physicians receive feedback, especially a personal acknowledgement, they report greater fulfillment in their work, stronger engagement with colleagues and their organizations and a decreased likelihood of burnout.¹

The reality is we do not recognize one another enough. As a result, we miss opportunities to positively impact collegiality and strengthen our relationships, including those that may be strained and could benefit from a simple acknowledgement. Doctors’ Day is a great time to begin making this a regular habit!

What makes a strong acknowledgement?

An acknowledgement should be direct, specific to the individual and reflective of their unique skill or contribution. Timing matters, too. Offering it “on the spot,” when you’ve seen or heard something worthy of recognition, makes it more meaningful.

An acknowledgement is different from a general compliment. Saying, “You’re always positive,” could be applied to many people and doesn’t highlight a specific contribution or skill. Specificity is what helps someone feel truly valued.

Be intentional and on the lookout for opportunities to acknowledge a fellow physician.

When to acknowledge a colleague²

• Introducing a new physician — highlight their training or unique skills
• When a colleague writes an article, gives a lecture or earns an advanced degree
• When someone goes above and beyond for a patient or peer
• Recognizing a colleague or mentor who has supported you over the years
• When a colleague makes a difficult diagnosis or performs a complex procedure
• When a colleague completes a simple but meaningful act of kindness
• When a patient shares positive feedback about a physician
• When you want to build or repair a professional relationship
• When you meet a new physician and have heard something noteworthy about them
• To reduce tension related to communication styles or past experiences

How to acknowledge a colleague

• Thank them in person
• Recognize their accomplishment during a department meeting
• Write a handwritten note
• Treat them to coffee or lunch
• Send an email
• Share positive feedback with their chief or leader
• Give them a call

What a strong acknowledgement sounds like

At a recent meeting, I heard one physician say to another: “Thank you so much for coming in to help with that surgical case last night when I was having trouble. Your technical skill in resolving the issue was amazing to watch, and the patient was fortunate to have you involved.”

Notice that the acknowledgement was direct, specific and highlighted both the physician’s skill and the impact on the patient.

We observe our colleagues’ contributions every day, especially in recent years with the pandemic. There are many physicians across HonorHealth with exceptional talents and skills who are rarely acknowledged.

Let’s make it a goal to recognize one another at least once a week. It takes very little time, but it has a meaningful impact on fulfillment, engagement and resilience as caregivers.

References

Shanafelt T, Gorringe G et al. Impact of Organizational Leadership on Physician Burnout and Satisfaction. Mayo Clin Proc. 2015;90(4):432-440.

Caruso B. Taking the Time to Recognize Physicians. The Permanente Journal. Vol 8 (3) 42-44. https://www.thepermanentejournal.org/issues/2004/summer.html

Kouzes JM, Posner BZ. The Leadership Challenge (3rd ED). San Francisco (CA): Jossey-Bass; 2003. Pp 315-379.

Francine Gaillour.  Physician Leaders, Take Time to Acknowledge Your Team. https://www.physicianleadership.com/2016/12/07/physician-acknowledge-your-team/