The Complexity of Healthcare Is Not Obvious (To Them)

In this episode of the Fire Chief Podcast, host Lee Scheinbart interviews Dr. Robert Underwood, Chief Medical Officer of San Juan Regional Medical Center in the Four Corners of the United States. They discuss Dr. Underwood's diverse background, including his military service, transition to medicine, and the importance of physician involvement in healthcare legislation. Dr. Underwood shares insights on leadership, decision-making in healthcare, and the personal challenges he has faced, including a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. The conversation emphasizes the value of physician leaders in shaping healthcare policy and improving patient care. In this conversation, Drs. Scheinbart and Underwood delve into the complexities of leadership in healthcare, the distinction between management and leadership, and the necessity for curiosity and compassion in effective leadership. The dialogue highlights the evolving landscape of healthcare leadership, its increasing financialization and the need for continuous learning and adaptation.