Steve Berkowitz

Managing Differences of Opinion within the Healthcare Team

Posted on August 30, 2023 by

Steve Berkowitz

Take the Opportunity for Education and Developing Respect I was talking to a hospital Chief Medical Officer (CMO) recently who related the following story: A patient on post-operative day 2 suddenly developed a brief seizure that was witnessed by the attending physician. The physician elected to treat the patient conservatively and the patient did well… Continue Reading >>

Steve Berkowitz

What does it mean to be an expert? … And does it last?

Posted on July 17, 2017 by

Steve Berkowitz

Being an expert means having an airplane ticket and a set of PowerPoint slides…. …But does it last? Several years ago, I had an arrangement with another health system Chief Medical Officer that we would give a presentation at each other’s annual medical staff meeting.  Although he was nationally renowned, he told me candidly, “I… Continue Reading >>

Steve Berkowitz

The Average Physician

Posted on May 5, 2017 by

Steve Berkowitz

Speaking at a conference in Orlando today I was asked a question: “How does health care reform effect   the average physician?”.  As I travel around the country with my speaking and consulting engagements, I often hear the term “average physician”.  For example, does “the average physician” want to practice in a single-payor system?  Having… Continue Reading >>

Steve Berkowitz

Reflections on a 50-State Year

Posted on December 23, 2016 by

Steve Berkowitz

I have always loved traveling around this country.  As a child, I enjoyed going on trips with my family and checking off the states we visited, making it a point to buy post cards from every state.  One of my biggest thrills as a young adult was going to Four Corners and doing a dance… Continue Reading >>

Steve Berkowitz

Does the office location of a CMO make a difference?

Posted on December 29, 2015 by

Steve Berkowitz

Just before Christmas I was talking with a CMO who’s hospital had recently been remodeled and his office was relocating next to the medical staff office and physicians’ lounge. This was done in part so that he could be in closer proximity to the physicians and the office of medical staff affairs. The CMO welcomed… Continue Reading >>

Steve Berkowitz

What’s in a name? Is there a Doctor in the house?

Posted on December 7, 2015 by

Steve Berkowitz

I was speaking to a CMO the other day who informed me of the following issue that occurred in the hospital: A nurse practitioner had just received his Doctorate in Nursing and wanted patients and staff from now on to refer to him as “Doctor”. Several of the physicians objected to that term feeling that… Continue Reading >>

Steve Berkowitz

Our Mission to take care of Patients

Posted on November 10, 2015 by

Steve Berkowitz

I came upon the below expression randomly about ten years ago. It was so inspiring to me that I have incorporated it into every presentation that I give as the final slide. It is an anonymous quote and I would like to share it with you: To the world you may be just one person,… Continue Reading >>

Steve Berkowitz

The Value of Medical Accreditation

Posted on October 29, 2015 by

Steve Berkowitz

  The thought of another medical accreditation typically brings a chorus of groans from the caregivers, administrative team and the hospital staff. One immediately conjures up visions of the Joint Commission coming in unexpectedly and the huge hassles and expenses involved in maintaining certification. One thinks of the anxiety of the survey visit and the… Continue Reading >>

Steve Berkowitz

Protect that Pump! A new appreciation of Cardiac Health

Posted on September 22, 2015 by

Steve Berkowitz

Last week I returned from a very insightful and stimulating Board meeting of the Society of Cardiovascular Patient Care. One of the things that I most love about this meeting of very accomplished physicians and health care leaders is that I always come away with some terrific insight that I never would have otherwise anticipated…. Continue Reading >>

Steve Berkowitz

Managing Medical Staff Interventions

Posted on September 15, 2015 by

Steve Berkowitz

Managing Medical Staff Interventions Hardly a conversation goes by between myself and a fellow Chief Medical Officer where one of us does not bring up an issue regarding a difficult physician on the medical staff and how best to deal with it. Whether the presenting issue is disruptive, inappropriateness, incompetency, impairment or anything else, the… Continue Reading >>