How Does Civility Impact Healthcare Success?

The LOUNGE - A Newsletter for Savvy Physicians

We scour the net, selecting the most pertinent articles for the busy doc so you don’t have to! Here’s what kept our focus this week…

• Incivility in healthcare can lead to a 61% reduction in cognitive ability, making it difficult for clinicians to perform at their best.

• From breaking barriers to building empires—Oprah’s story is one of leadership, resilience, and reinvention.

• In a heartwarming holiday miracle, a beloved pizza shop is getting a second chance thanks to a viral video and a generous benefactor.

• As AI reshapes industries, businesses must rethink data strategies—or risk being left behind.

• Did you know that hundreds of companies offer discounts to healthcare workers, just for being you?

• The clock is ticking for telehealth enthusiasts, as Medicare's plans to end coverage in 2025 could have devastating consequences for those who rely on it.

LOUNGE TALK

Anesthesiologist Matthew Sherrer and emergency physician Chris Turner explore how workplace incivility can negatively impact health care teams and patient outcomes. Drawing from their KevinMD article, they highlight the measurable ways disrespectful behaviors impair cognitive function, teamwork, and safety in high-pressure medical environments. The episode examines the root causes of incivility, including stress, time pressures, and systemic challenges, and offers actionable solutions to foster a culture of respect. Through research-backed insights, they explain how even subtle behaviors, such as eye rolls or interruptions, can ripple through teams, reducing collaboration and decision-making abilities. The podcast emphasizes the importance of addressing incivility through education, structured feedback mechanisms, and proactive communication strategies. Sherrer and Turner advocate for curiosity over judgment, creating environments where constructive feedback is encouraged and mistakes are addressed with empathy.

Oprah Winfrey, the first African-American woman billionaire and entertainment’s wealthiest woman, transformed from a daytime talk show host into a global media mogul. This episode of HBR On Leadership explores how Oprah overcame obstacles, shifted from people-pleasing tendencies, and leaned into vulnerability as a leadership strength. Harvard Business School executive fellow Bill George dissects the pivotal moments in her career, revealing how authenticity and resilience shaped her path. The conversation highlights key insights about leadership, entrepreneurship, and breaking racial barriers in the entertainment industry. The episode draws from HBR’s rich archive of leadership analysis and case studies, offering timeless lessons. Listeners can explore Oprah’s journey in detail through the Cold Call podcast’s Black Business Leaders Series.

Dave Portnoy, founder of Barstool Sports, visited a struggling pizza shop in Baltimore called TinyBrickOven, unaware that it was about to close its doors for good. The shop's owner, Will Fagg, revealed that they were unable to get a liquor license, putting them at a disadvantage. Portnoy was impressed with the pizza and decided to step in to help, offering to donate $60,000 to keep the shop open for a year. The video of their encounter went viral, bringing in millions of views and thousands of dollars in donations.

The artificial intelligence industry is bracing for major shifts in 2025, with disruptions in search technology, legal battles over data usage, and evolving regulations. Experts predict that AI will transform how consumers find information, potentially challenging Google’s dominance. Startups leveraging AI-driven search are pushing for more direct answers and actions, forcing businesses to rethink SEO strategies to prioritize context and relevance. Meanwhile, lawsuits surrounding AI models trained on copyrighted material raise questions about data ownership and legal compliance. Regulatory frameworks remain uncertain, especially in the U.S., where a pro-business political climate may slow AI-specific legislation. Companies must address their data sourcing and compliance practices to attract investors and avoid legal pitfalls as AI adoption accelerates.

Healthcare workers continue to enjoy discounts and perks from companies that recognize their contributions, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Jim Dahle highlights a wide range of savings opportunities available in 2024 for physicians, dentists, nurses, and other medical professionals. Many businesses offer discounts verified through platforms like SheerID and ID.me, while others simply require a badge or trust the honor system. Although the list is not exhaustive, it provides a starting point for finding deals on everything from apparel to travel. Healthcare professionals are encouraged to ask about discounts even if they aren’t advertised and to revisit this annual list for updated opportunities.

Medicare is set to end telehealth coverage in 2025 unless Congress acts by the end of 2024 to extend COVID-era rules. This rollback would reinstate pre-pandemic restrictions, cutting off a vital healthcare option for many elderly, disabled, and chronically ill patients who depend on virtual visits. Advocates argue that telehealth has proven effective, convenient, and life-saving, enabling patients to access care without the physical and financial burdens of traveling to appointments. Critics warn that removing telehealth could lead to skipped appointments, worsening health outcomes, and higher long-term costs. Medicare claims the change promotes fairness, but patients fear it creates barriers instead. The article calls for urgent legislative action to preserve telehealth services and urges citizens to demand Congress prioritize healthcare accessibility.

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