Difficult Dilemmas for Chief Medical Officers: 30 Case Studies
Also available as Kindle
When Crisis Strikes, Who Do You Call?
Gain confidence solving complex CMO challenges through 30 real scenarios and proven solutions from experienced physician executives — practical wisdom without the consultant price tag.
You are facing an intoxicated physician in the ER. A respected surgeon is violating HIPAA protocols. A top revenue generator refuses to follow best practices. And you need answers — now.
Read more Read less
Difficult Dilemmas for Chief Medical Officers: 30 Case Studies is like having a trusted mentor on speed dial. Drawing on more than 150 years of collective CMO experience, editors Rex Hoffman, MD, and Doug Koekkoek, MD, have assembled battle-tested solutions to the most challenging scenarios you will face as a physician leader.
This isn't theory. These are real dilemmas solved by real CMOs who have been in the hot seat — and lived to share their wisdom.
Inside, You Will Discover How Experienced CMOs Handled:
Physician management crises that threaten patient safety Resistance to workflow changes and evidence-based practices Complex administrative and operational challenges Leadership situations that test your competencies and courageEach case study walks you through the scenario, the thinking process, and the actual solution implemented — giving you a proven playbook for your toughest days.
Why This Book Is Different:
Unlike expensive consultants or lengthy executive programs, this book gives you immediate access to expert guidance you can reference whenever crisis strikes. Read it cover to cover or jump to the exact scenario you are facing today. Either way, you will gain the confidence that comes from knowing you are not alone — and that others have successfully navigated these same treacherous waters.
Perfect for:
Current Chief Medical Officers seeking peer-tested solutions Aspiring CMOs preparing for leadership roles Physician executives in hospitals, medical groups, and health plans Anyone responsible for physician performance and hospital operationsStop second-guessing yourself. Start leading with confidence.
About the author
Rex Hoffman, MD
Rex Hoffman, MD, is chief medical officer at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center in Mission Hills, California, where he has served since 2019. After a 19-year career as a practicing radiation oncologist, Hoffman earned an MBA in the Business of Medicine from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University before transitioning to healthcare leadership. He has also served stints as interim CMO at two sister hospitals within Providence. Hoffman is dedicated to helping current and aspiring CMOs succeed through practical, experience-based guidance.
Doug Koekkoek, MD
Doug Koekkoek, MD, has been an influential leader in healthcare for more than two decades, leading primary care and specialty physician practices across major health systems. His respected leadership at Providence St. Joseph Health and PeaceHealth was instrumental in building strong physician cultures centered on quality, safety, and patient experience. Koekkoek is a fellow in the American College of Physicians and a senior fellow in Hospital Medicine at the Society for Hospital Medicine. He received his medical degree from Oregon Health Sciences University and completed his internship, residency, and chief residency at Providence Portland Medical Center.
Contents
- Dedication
- Acknowledgments
- Contributors
- Foreword:
- Introduction:
- Part I – Physician Management
- Managing the Advanced Practice Clinician and Provider Workforce
- Addressing the Intoxicated Physician
- Interacting with the Disruptive Physician
- Evaluating the Competency of the Aging Physician
- Approaching a Complaint of Sexual Harassment
- Responding to a HIPAA Violation
- Ensuring Timely Documentation and Scrub Compliance
- Acknowledging When Physician Rehabilitation Isn't Enough
- Developing a Comprehensive Ambulatory Quality and Patient Safety Program in Your Medical Group
- Part II – Physician Acceptance of Workflow and Best Practice
- Creating Value by Standardizing Pharma and Device Choices
- Striking the Balance — Tackling the E/M Coding Dilemma
- Building a Peer Review Committee in an Employed Medical Group
- Understanding and Addressing the Extended Stay of a Patient: The CMO's Role in Quality, Finance, and Patient Throughput
- Establishing Peer Review in Small Departments: Strategies, Challenges, and Multidisciplinary Solutions
- Dealing with Physicians Who Won't Get with the Guidelines
- Ensuring Hospitalists Write Prompt Discharge Orders
- Part III – Hospital & Medical Group Administrative and Operational Challenges
- Promoting Provider – Payer Collaboration
- Navigating Physician Pay Redesign Successfully
- Overseeing the Management of Locums Tenens
- Leading During a Disaster on Campus
- Mitigating Gaps in Specialty Call Coverage
- Negotiating Physician–Hospital Relationships: The Crossroads of Friendship and Fiscal Reality
- Optimizing Operating Room Utilization
- Reducing Malpractice Costs
- Understanding Inpatient vs. Outpatient Reimbursement: Clinical Classifications, Financial Implications, and Controversial Cases
- Part IV – Leadership Competencies
- Becoming an Influential Chief Medical Officer
- Promoting Hospital Benchmarks and Grades That Matter Most for Chief Medical Officers
- Serving as a Multi-Hospital Chief Medical Officer
- Getting Deposed … How to be a Good Corporate Witness
- Tackling Primary Care Redesign
- Bonus:
- Bringing It All Together
