ABSTRACT
The relationships between MGMA staff and our members in many ways parallel the relationships between physicians and administrators in medical group practices. Integrity can be demonstrated in many ways. In budgeting, for example. Resist the temptation to "pad" budget requests. Instead, submit annual budgets that are based on facts and realistic forecasts. This will command respect from conscientious finance officers. Integrity can also be demonstrated through strict adherence to ethical management practices. Leaders of integrity are willing to risk losing their jobs rather than issuing directives they know to be ethically wrong or harmful to the organization. Ethical leaders realize that no job is worth keeping in that sort of environment. Perhaps healthcare will follow the lead of large companies that have developed in-house "Corporate Universities." In fact, some of the large and leading healthcare organizations already offered advanced leadership development programs for their staff physicians who have administrative responsibilities.
