We know that it’s not enough for an organization to simply state its values. We are defined by our values and we strive to live by them, every day. For this SpecialtyCare blog series, we wanted to take a deeper dive and hear our associates describe what the SpecialtyCare values mean to them. In this series, expect to hear real examples from our associates who live out our values by bringing the best of themselves to positively impact the lives of the patients, the practitioners, and the communities we serve.

Integrity: Honor our commitments. We will always do the right thing for our patients, surgeons, and associates. We honor the trust they have placed in us and are accountable for our actions.

 

Integrity in Everyday Duties as a Surgical Neurophysiologist 

Being a surgical neurophysiologist within the SpecialtyCare team gives you quite the advantage when first engaging with a new OR team, or your first time working with a specific surgeon.  Most surgical neurophysiologists can attest that trust is gradually gained over time, and one’s reputation and character must be proven—and certainly, that’s very true!  However, because of SpecialtyCare’s reputation of hiring trustworthy associates with integrity—the surgeon, the neurophysiologist, and ultimately the patient all benefit due to the foundation of trust that comes with the SpecialtyCare name.

Honor commitments.

Showing up to cases on-time is only half of the commitment.  Being on-time, being prepared with a positive attitude, and presenting yourself in a positive manner is really what sets you apart in the OR. Not only does that build your professional reputation, but it adds to SpecialtyCare’s already nationally established status as a leader in the field.

Show compassion and empathy.

Meeting the patient before the case, building trust, and explaining your role truly helps to ease patients’ nervousness.  Understanding that this is a very stressful time for them in their life, and they can trust you.  Attributing a personality and a face to the surgery makes monitoring that procedure that much more meaningful.  

Be brave.

It’s never a fun time to have to be the bearer of bad news and let a surgeon know that “motors are lost,” “SSEPs are down” or “seeing some activity..” but overcoming our own fragile ego in those stressful times and doing the right thing for the patient gives the greatest satisfaction in the long-term.

Remain confident.

During intracranial surgery, there really is no time for the surgeon to think, “Gee, do I trust his word?” or when a pedicle screw appears medial and you stimulate the screw and it checks out to be good, the surgeon cannot doubt, “well I wonder if he’s right.”  This is why confidence is imperative.

Act with accountability.

This goes alongside trust.  Accountability also increases neurophysiologists’ skillset and adds to the confidence and job performance; thus improving patient outcomes.

It’s essential that one allows the surgical team to have absolute assurance—establishing rapport, showing empathy and compassion, being confident, being held accountable, and having courage all encompass what it means to have integrity.  Indeed, being supported by a company that values integrity not only fosters great neurophysiologists but certainly translates into our personal lives, helping to only further make a difference in the communities where we serve. 

Author: Andrew Mumford, Surgical Neurophys II, Southern New England IONM Team