What makes a good boss

In this podcast we explore the past, current and future ideals of ‘What makes a good boss’ in medicine gathering points of view from Eloise Sobels, a medical student, Amy Coopes, a junior doctor and Rhea Liang, a General and Breast Surgeon.

Script Writer:  Eloise Sobels

Editor:  Evangelie Polyzos

Interviewees:    Amy Coopes, Eloise Sobels, Rhea Liang

Interviewer:  Amy Coopes

About Dr Amy Coopes

Amy Coopes is a junior doctor and journalist who swapped news reporting for medicine but continues writing, with a special interest in health. Amy is a founding editor of Croakey Health Media, a social journalism collective for health, and an aspiring ED generalist with the Victorian Rural Generalist Program, based in North East Victoria. In her spare time she is mother to two small kids, and angling for the ever-elusive 'having it all'.

About Eloise Sobels

Eloise is a final year medical student at the University of Sydney, New South Wales. She is currently completing her clinical years based at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. Before embarking on her Medical degree, she completed an undergraduate in Medical Science (Hons) from Flinders University and worked in a Clinical Pathology Laboratory testing and reporting on blood results. Ellie has a passion for team-based medical care and is currently working on research into Multidisciplinary Team based care for End-Stage-Kidney-Disease patients. Ellie is an avid dog lover and enjoys any beach related activity, as well as playing hockey for the University of Sydney.

About Dr Rhea Liang

Rhea Liang is a General and Breast Surgeon on the Gold Coast, surgical educationalist, diversity in surgery advocate, and Chair of the Operating With Respect Committee of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.

What makes a good boss?

With General and Breast Surgeon, Dr Rhea Liang, junior medical officer with Victorian Rural Generalist Program, Dr Amy Coopes and University of Sydney medical student Ms Eloise Sobels

Introduction

In a discussion format, this podcast looks to explore to past, present and future perspectives on what makes a good boss in medicine.

Amy Coopes:  What is the role of a boss in medicine?

Rhea Liang:

Willingness to step up and constantly expand your role.

Medicine is leaning more towards versatile leadership. Someone who can pivot as required between the different types of leadership.

Understanding that most times I am the most experienced in the room but recognising the times when I am not and finding someone who can fill that role.

Eloise Sobels:

To make highly complex decisions around patient care and treatment options.

Compacting complex information in a way that it easy to understand for patients and communicating that in a shared decision-making model.

Amy Coopes:  What’s defined a good boss for you both previously?

Eloise Sobels:

The bosses that have stood out to me are the ones that make you feel part of the team, by introducing themselves, asking your name and even what year you’re in.

Bosses that take the time to acknowledge you, remember your name, and perhaps even delegates a patient to you, those little things are really what makes you feel welcomed.

Rhea Liang:

Bosses who make space, who don’t feel the need to fill the entire space themselves.

They make space for other people, other ideas and for emotions. As when they feel the need to fill the entire space themselves there’s no more room left for other people, ideas and emotions.

Amy Coopes:  Do you perceive that being a good boss is different from being a good leader and if so how?

Rhea Liang:

There are times when your responsibilities as an employer butt up against your responsibilities as a leader and I really struggle with that sometimes.

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