A physician champion is a physician who works hard and effectively to start or support an initiative, to bring a program or vision to reality, or to otherwise improve the quality of life of a particular group or of the community as a whole. Physician champions initiate and maintain the often difficult and frustrating work that sustains the health of a community. Effective physician champions believe in the process and support and maintain it, often in the face of opposition. Champions focus on keeping everyone moving toward the group’s goals, even when it may feel like momentum has stalled.
The physician champion will serve as the “voice” in the pediatric health care setting of your community.
The physician champion should be knowledgeable, trustworthy, accessible, approachable and willing to share knowledge with others, willing to support and advocate for process changes and implement new guidelines, and serve as a resource for others.
The successful candidate will have a wide peer and social network, as well as extensive experience establishing and maintaining collaborative relationships.
Consider a physician champion possessing some or all of these qualities…
- Negotiates with key players for resources and changes in procedures
- Demonstrates political awareness in balancing conflicting goals and perceptions
- Networking skills in establishing and maintaining appropriate contacts
- Ability to function patiently and effectively in an uncertain environment
- Interpersonal skills: listening and identifying the concerns of others
- Stimulates motivation and commitment in others involved
- Influencing skills in gaining commitment to project plans and ideas from skeptics