First and foremost, radiologists are people. And, people make presumptions about others, whether it is colleagues, leaders, or friends. It’s just human nature. However, it is also one of the biggest mistakes that one can make in business, particularly in private radiology practice. We all think that we know what kind of job our colleagues do. And, we base many of these stereotypes on miscommunication and pure conjecture. All this can lead to bad blood and, even worse, lousy practice outcomes. So, let’s go through the main reasons why presuming to know our fellow radiologist’s job is so dangerous to the practice and business of radiology?
Ways That Presumptions Damage A Practice
You Do Less Than Me!
If you like toxicity, this unfounded statement can spread the most venom to the rest of your colleagues. And, most of the time, it is not valid. Everyone does work a bit differently. So, work can be hard to quantify.
Moreover, this statement decreases everyone’s incentive to work. Who wants to work when everyone else does less? Of course, maybe there is one outlier in your practice that does a lot less. But, if you are always going to worry about everyone else, what is the incentive for you to work?
The Work They Do At The Other Practice Down The Street Isn’t Hard.
You can never tell for sure how hard work that some other practice is doing is difficult or not. Indeed, it is even worse to make that presumption. Has your practice ever tried starting a thriving vein center? It’s effortless to create one for yourself. Well, there is probably a lot more to the process than you think. Without doing the research, this assumption is a surefire way to lose a lot of money and time, not being prepared for the work you will need to succeed!
Presumptions That Administrative And Teaching Roles Are Not Real Work
This one is a real doozie. Almost every program director throughout the country has been the brunt of this presumption at one time or another. Yes, we are not constantly pumping out RVUs. But instead, we are teaching, fielding all the requests and complaints, and completing all the paperwork. A residency can fall apart without these services. It is not the same as reading films, but yes, it is real work!
MR, IR, Nuclear Medicine, Mammo, Etc. Are Easy
One way to get into trouble, presume that other radiologist’s area of expertise is simple. You don’t know until you work in the field. Think mammo is easy? Wait until your first lawsuit? And, MRI is not complex, right? Just wait until you miss your first subtle neural tumor. Every field has its challenges. And, each needs a lot of practice to become good at it!
It Doesn’t Matter That He Has The Ear Of The Referrer; I Work Harder
It’s not always just about the amount of work that you do. It is also about the perceived quality of your work. That radiologist that always gets phone calls to consult with referrers? There is probably a reason for that! Maybe he’s just friendly. But maybe, just maybe, he knows a lot. And perhaps he knows a lot more than you! You lose his expertise, and you start losing patients from your practice. It doesn’t matter how hard you work!
Presumptions About Our Radiology Colleagues: Sowing The Seeds Of Destruction!
Yes, presuming to know what your friends down the hall do on a day-to-day basis is fraught with danger. And, you probably know less than you think you do about your colleague’s issues. So, if you want to take this path, be very wary of the dangers above. It’s a surefire way to add to a toxic workplace!
