Summary
Meet Dr. Brian Wagers, Chief Quality Officer at Children’s Health
In this episode, we get to know Dr. Brian Wagers, the Chief Quality Officer at Children’s Health in Dallas. He shares his background in pediatric medicine and healthcare, his current focus on eliminating hospital acquired infections, and tips for new leaders.
From Pediatrician to Chief Quality Officer
Dr. Wagers initially pursued pediatrics because of the doctor who lived across the street from him had a cool swimming pool. He started off doing general practice pediatrics in the emergency department, but then was encouraged by his division chief to take on the role of quality and safety leader.
After spending nine years at Riley Children’s Hospital, he decided to take the next step and move to Children’s Medical Center in Dallas, where he could help even more patients and colleagues with quality and safety initiatives.
Advice for New Leaders
When starting a new leadership position, Dr. Wagers recommends observing and listening first to understand the issues people are facing and how you can help. For young physicians looking to become leaders, he suggests learning leadership skills through experience and taking on small tasks in medical school or wherever you are in your training.
He also stresses the importance of humility and grace when making mistakes, and extending that same mindset to others.
Honing Clinical Skills to Become an Effective Leader
Dr. Wagers believes that continuing to hone your leadership skills is essential for success in healthcare leadership. He emphasizes that effective communication skills, honed in the clinic, also apply to hospital leadership.
Good Luck in Your Career
Dr. Wagers wishes everyone luck in their own career paths, using his experience to inspire and guide future leaders and healthcare providers in their own journeys towards better healthcare.
Note: This is an AI generated transcript, not edited by a staff writer and is solely intended for educational purposes. If you have any questions/concerns, reach out to podcasts@beckershealthcare.com
This episode aired on 05/09/2023 and can be listened here.
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