How Do You Manage The "Difficult" Physician?

In this insightful episode, host Dr. Lee Scheinbart interviews Dr. Anne Hirsch, certified physician coach and expert in physician professionalism and behavioral concerns. Drawing on decades of clinical practice and extensive experience with physician peer review, Dr. Hirsch challenges leaders to look beyond the label of the “difficult physician” and understand what may actually be driving problematic behaviors.

Lee and Anne explore how stress, burnout, communication styles, and a lack of self-awareness can turn good physicians into perceived problems—and why coaching should be viewed as an opportunity rather than a punishment. The conversation examines the importance of understanding intent versus impact, recognizing patterns of behavior, and helping physicians see how their words and actions land with others. Dr. Hirsch also challenges CMOs to intervene earlier, normalize coaching, and build cultures where difficult conversations happen directly rather than through labels and complaints. Ultimately, the discussion asks leaders to consider whether the physician is truly disruptive—or whether the physician themselves has become disrupted.