eager to work with me to get cases set up and completed on time —
is more important than any perk you can offer," he says.
4. Give them the VIP treatment
That doesn't mean surgeons don't appreciate gestures, both big and
small, that make them feel valued. Have snacks like bagels, dough-
nuts, protein bars and oatmeal, and a coffee-espresso machine. If they
need a place to work or power-nap between cases, give up your desk.
Is their changing lounge big enough to get dressed comfortably? Are
the lockers secure and large enough to store all their personal belong-
ings? Are the size and style of the scrubs they prefer always on hand?
Do you reserve prime parking spaces for surgeons who arrive in the
afternoon when the lot is typically full?
Those are the little things that can make a big difference in making a
surgeon feel welcome, says Dr. Ruggieri. He also points out that sur-
geons never turn down a free meal. "Having food available at
lunchtime is a big plus," he says. "We're able to grab a quick bite
between cases and get right back to operating. Oh, one more thing.
Make it Italian."
5. Surround them with all-stars
Surgeons pay more attention to the goings on outside of the OR than
you might think. They notice if staff provide patient-centered care, the
cleanliness of the lobby, how long it takes for patients to enter the
pre-op area after checking in and whether or not there's a private area
to talk with patients and their loved ones before and after surgery.
Dr. Ruggieri wants to work with a team of calm, composed and effi-
cient surgical professionals who do their jobs with a smile. Dr. Sibia
watches how the check-in staff treats patients, notices the skill with
which nurses start IVs and observes how well they communicate with
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