Within our Community Based Teaching Hospital, physicians are required as part of the Medical Staff Bylaws to donate their time in our Outpatient Multi-Specialty Clinics. The physicians are not monetarily reimbursed for their time but can take full advantage of the benefits of being part of the hospital medical staff. This dynamic can create conflict between hospital staff and the physicians when it comes down to time management and the ever growing demand for time related to providing patient care. As a Manager supervising the departmental staff while trying to appease the physician "stakeholder" what strategies should be utilized for conflict resolution?

Has anyone had experience managing a department that, even though it maintains its own budget and cost center, is reliant upon the operations of a larger department? The example is one of operating cancer clinical research within the larger department of oncology. Both have their own cost centers, are maintained by directors, and report to the same VP. Is it odd to operate a department that, on paper, seems to be at an equal level with the other, but in actuality may be considered to be lower in the organizational structure?

 

- Steve