Book Description

This exciting, first-of-its-kind title describes the blossoming new science of medicine and management—the concepts, methodologies, techniques, and tools that create value for patients, populations, caregivers, staff, and healthcare organizations. Developed out of the innovative and powerful physician executive MBA program at the Heller School of Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University, The New Science of Medicine & Management describes what physician leaders need to know and do to fix problems that can erode value in complex healthcare environments in which they practice medicine. The book is motivated by a singular proposition—Every Physician a Leader; Every Leader a Collaborative Team Player and a new definition of high-value health care. Composed of the best 18 of approximately 200 outstanding physician-led business school projects, the book is based on the collective efforts and experiences of 33 authors and coauthors, 28 of whom are physicians and 19 of whom have an MD and an MBA degree. The work is grounded in three important assertions: First, the clinical side of complex professional medical organizations such as hospitals has traditionally been led by highly skilled, highly experienced medical practitioners trained in the underlying biomedical disciplines and applied medical sciences. Second, there is research evidence that managers with clinical backgrounds can run better healthcare organizations, and a growing number of physician-led multispecialty groups are outperforming organizations run by lay managers. Third, physicians and other caregivers should have some training in the new science of medicine and management; moreover, and very importantly, the transition from clinician to clinical manager and leader is challenging and requires training in the new science of medicine and management. State of the art, developed by expert physician leaders in the field, and replete with a wide range of management insights and lessons, this book asks important questions and offers an exciting and comprehensive resource for all physicians, health administrators, and clinicians interested in not only the science of medicine and management and in developing physician-led teams but, crucially, in ensuring value in healthcare by improving patient outcomes, safety, affordability, and employee well-being.