Faculty Vitae, Spring 2006: Leadership Lesson

Case Study: Dr. Smith's First Leadership Position: Negotiating for the Clerkship

Author: Susan Cox, M.D.
Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology
Associate Dean for Professional Education
University of Texas Southwestern Medical School

A Surprise Offer for Leadership

Dr. John Smith is a young, energetic assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology. He has been teaching for four years and was pleased to be voted the school's "Best Teacher" by a vote the medical students. The department chair, Dr. Susanna Hopkins, greets John one Wednesday evening as he is collecting his things to go home.

"'Evening, John, how goes it?"

"Oh, fine," he says as he pulls his coat off the hook. "Just finishing up my medical records. "

"You know I love to hear that. Got a minute?" she asks as she goes into John's office and closes the door.

"Uh, of course," John says as he sits back down at his desk.

"John," Susanna says, "Diana Michaels, the clerkship director, has just told me she is leaving for a new position at Northeast Western University Medical School. While that is confidential information right now, I'd like to talk to you about taking over the role of Clerkship Director. "I know you like to teach," Susanna continues, "and you expressed some interest in the clerkship the last time we talked. Here is your chance. I would like you to take on the position, and to begin orienting with Dr. Michaels as soon as possible. I realize that this is a little sudden, so take the weekend to think it over and give me your decision on Monday."

She stood up to leave, but paused at the door, "Oh, and remember that we have that big meeting with the internal and community faculty next Friday to discuss clinical responsibilities for medical students in the clerkship, and a clerkship curriculum review meeting on the Tuesday after that. Dr. Michaels won't be able to cover those meetings since she'll be in West Easton for a meeting on her new responsibilities. If you accept this offer, you'll be in charge of those meetings. Thanks, John." With that, Dr. Hopkins leaves the office. Somewhat nonplussed by the unexpectedness of this event, John sits at his desk, his coat in his lap, to consider his next steps.

How would you advise Dr. John Smith?

What should John do first? How should he make the decision? Is this good timing for him to take on the clerkship?
How do the pending meetings affect John's decision on accepting the clerkship?
If he accepts, what time/staff/resources should John negotiate with the chair?

Leadership Lesson

Case Study: Dr. Smith's First Leadership Position: Negotiating for the Clerkship

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A Surprise Offer for Leadership

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How would you advise Dr. John Smith?

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