RE: Why Be a Manager? Redux 13 years later

[Guest guest]

Dear ,

Interesting question. Anyone who knows me would say I could go on ad nauseum,

but I'll sum it up with this:

I was introduced to outpatient facility management when I was the only therapist

in a clinic connected with a much larger company. The challenges of balancing

spending with revenue, and keeping the office afloat, became fascinating. With

time I gathered additional clinics, and have since moved on to the

hospital/health system world. As an outpatient manual therapist, I did notice

some hand trouble - aching and stiffness with deep tissue work - which also

helped to propel me into administration.

As my staff grew from one person to many, I found leadership to be equally

fascinating. What drives people to do their best in your work setting? How can

you inspire staff? What does it mean to have fun at work? How best to balance

what the patient needs, what the staff needs, what the bottom line needs, and

what is the right thing to do?

I now see my role as threefold: I am a physical therapist, and I still see

patients, for many reasons; I am a manager, putting out fires, handling issues,

removing barriers, ensuring we make money; and I am a leader, advocating for my

staff and our concerns, and attempting to create an environment in which this is

the greatest job they've ever had - so if they have to work, they want to work

here. Personally, this combination couldn't be better for me.

Christen, PT

Director, Rehabilitation and Occupational Health Services

FHN

Freeport, IL

From: PTManager [mailto:PTManager ] On Behalf Of

Kovacek

Sent: Monday, October 03, 2011 10:58 AM

To: PTManager

Subject: Why Be a Manager? Redux 13 years later

The very first question posted to this list serve in June 1998 was:

" I am preparing some materials for an article on why physical therapists

become managers and I would love some input and stories from those of you

who are. What do you find to be the rewards of management and the

challenges? Thanks "

*************************************

I think this is still a very interesting question - so I am asking it again.

What do you find to be the rewards of management and the challenges?

I think it will fascinating to compare/contrast the answers some 13 years later.

Thanks

Kovacek, PT, DPT, MSA

PKovacek@...<mailto:PKovacek%40PTManager.com>

Cell (313) 492-4293

Personal Fax

www.PTManager.com<http://www.PTManager.com>