In this episode of "Coaching Healthcare Leaders," Dr. Lisa interviews Dr. Tanya Harris, a physician specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation.

Dr. Harris shares her inspiring career journey, leadership philosophy, and experiences developing innovative rehabilitation protocols. The discussion highlights the importance of collaboration, active listening, and creating supportive work environments. Dr. Harris addresses challenges in rehabilitation services, including insurance barriers and public misconceptions, and advocates for better systems and education.

The episode concludes with practical advice for healthcare leaders on fostering team engagement, finding purpose, and promoting joy in the workplace to enhance patient care.

Introduction and Guest Bio (00:00:02) Dr. Lisa introduces the podcast and Dr. Tanya Harris, summarizing her background and achievements in physical medicine and rehabilitation.

Early Influences and Career Path (00:03:14) Dr. Harris discusses her early interest in medicine, family influences, and how mentorship led her to physical medicine and rehabilitation.

Understanding Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (00:07:18) Discussion about the field’s origins, its under-recognition, and the importance of educating others about rehabilitation services.

A Day in the Life of a Medical Director (00:08:20) Dr. Harris describes her daily routine, balancing patient care and staff engagement, and her focus on team collaboration.

Leadership Style and Team Empowerment (00:11:19) Dr. Harris explains her “roundtable” leadership style, encouraging all team members to have a voice and fostering inclusivity.

Improving Team Collaboration: Practical Example (00:15:55) A real-life example of nurses and therapists collaborating to solve patient care issues, resulting in improved outcomes.

Challenges in Rehabilitation Medicine (00:18:41) Dr. Harris outlines major challenges: lack of awareness about rehab services and insurance barriers, and shares strategies to address them.

Healthcare Systems: US vs. New Zealand (00:22:36) Comparison of healthcare systems, highlighting New Zealand’s dual public-private model and its benefits for patient care and provider costs.

Leadership Pearls and Personal Priorities (00:24:20) Dr. Harris shares advice for leaders: set priorities, act with intention, and cultivate personal joy to enhance leadership and care.

Closing and Contact Information (00:27:43) Dr. Harris provides her contact details and resources, and Dr. Lisa wraps up the episode.