By Dr. Seleem R. Choudhury
There can be no doubt that the coronavirus pandemic is ongoing, serious, and unpredictable. But based on current data and past patterns, we can forecast what Spring 2022 might bring and how to best respond.
A mission statement must be more than a PR tactic
By Dr. Seleem R. Choudhury
Each one of us has deeply held beliefs that motivate us to action. This is part of what it is to be human. It is embedded in our humanity to pursue virtue, or a habitual and firm disposition to do good. Our character is inextricably linked with virtue, because good character is built through the practice and habituation of virtues (Newstead, Dawkins, & Martin, 2019).
Developing excellence in primary care
By Dr. Seleem R. Choudhury
Nearly half of all Americans suffer from at least one chronic disease, and that number is growing. Chronic diseases—including cancer, diabetes, hypertension, stroke, heart disease, respiratory diseases, arthritis, obesity, and oral diseases—can lead to hospitalization, long-term disability, reduced quality of life, and death. Additionally, chronic diseases often require a long period of supervision, observation, or care. To make matters more complicated, many patients have multiple morbidities, creating particular challenges for healthcare providers.
The necessary insecurity of leadership
By Dr. Seleem R. Choudhury
Years ago, I accepted a job even though I was told that the team I was to lead didn’t want me as their leader. During my tenure, I received anonymous threats to leave, as well as episodes of sabotage and unhelpful behavior. Despite this, I was convinced that I could win them over with my leadership skills. Instead of improved conditions, however, things got worse. It became clear that the team was just waiting for me to make a mistake. Like all leaders (and indeed all humans), I eventually did.
COVID Wars: Attack of the variants
By Dr. Seleem R. Choudhury
As an increasing portion of the global population continues to receive the COVID vaccine, public health experts, government officials, and healthcare professionals continue to monitor variants emerging around the world. With recent spikes of infections in India that have brought devastating death tolls and an overwhelmed healthcare system, it is clear that reaching the “end” of COVID and moving forward into a sense of normalcy will not be a straightforward process.
Organizational culture change as renovation, not demolition
By Dr. Seleem R. Choudhury
An organization’s “culture” is simply defined as the expected way to behave within an organization. Stated more simply, organizational culture is “the way things are done around here” (Deal & Kennedy, 2000). Culture is not written rules or guidelines, but rather the way we act and how we get work done. The values of a particular organizational culture are engrained into the life of the organization. When culture is found to be ineffective or, worse, toxic, leaders discover that it is extremely difficult to change.
A global pandemic calls for global response: The importance of equitable global vaccine distribution
By Dr. Seleem R. Choudhury
According to the United Nations, 75% of all COVID-19 vaccinations have been administered among just 10 countries, while 130 countries have not received even a single dose of the vaccine, as of mid-February 2021 (Al Jazeera, 2021). Global health and political leaders have condemned this unbalanced distribution of vaccines and are taking action to ensure vaccine equity. Dr. Tebros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of the World Health Organization (WHO), said in a recent address, “The world is on the brink of a catastrophic moral failure—and the price of this failure will be paid with lives and livelihoods in the world’s poorest countries” (United Nations, 2021).
Setting yourself up for success in a new leadership role
By Dr. Seleem R. Choudhury
The uncertainty brought on by leadership transitions can be hard on employees and organizations (Keller & Meaney, 2017). Staff members wonder: Will the new leader understand the mission? What changes will they implement—and will that impact my ability to do my work and find fulfillment in this job?
But leadership transitions are tough on the incoming new leaders too. An IMD survey of 1350 HR professionals shows that transitions into new roles are the most difficult times in leaders’ professional lives (Watkins, Orlick, & Stehli, 2014). They face pressure to make a good impression, instill confidence in their selection across the organization, and perform the balancing act of learning about the company while attempting to shape it (Watkins, Orlick, & Stehli, 2014).
The first 30 days in a new role matter immensely, and can set the tone for a leader’s tenure in their organization.
Monitoring the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines
By Dr. Seleem R. Choudhury
Next to clean water, no single intervention has had such a dramatic effect on decreasing mortality as has the widespread introduction of vaccines (Howson, Howe, & Fineberg, 1991). The World Health Organization (WHO) describes immunization as a “key component of primary health care and an indisputable human right,” as well as “one of the best health investments money can buy” (World Health Organization, 2020). Vaccines play a critical role in the prevention and management of the outbreak of infectious diseases. The rapid spread of COVID-19 during the months-long wait for a vaccine have highlighted their importance to public health.
Overcoming barriers to provide patient-centered care
By Dr. Seleem R. Choudhury
The term "patient-centered care" is in vogue and utilized by health system administrators, marketing gurus, hospital staff, and clinicians alike. It's a catchy phrase that resonates with stakeholders, and it sounds like something every healthcare organization would heartily embrace. However, the heart of patient-centered care and its implications for how care is actually provided to patients is not well understood.