Episode #136: A Surgeon Shares Her Advice For Becoming A CMO

If you’ve considered pursuing a leadership role, you may have wondered what it’s like to be a Chief Medical Officer, or CMO, and what exactly the day-to-day role entails. Look no further because today’s guest, Dr. Serene Perkins, is here to answer your questions about all things CMO. Dr. Perkins is a surgeon who modified her clinical practice to find better balance and discovered her passion for physician leadership work along the way. Now Dr. Perkins is a CMO for a health plan in Alaska, and she’ll share why she loves her work and how to know if climbing the leadership ladder is right for you.

In this episode we’re talking about:

Why Dr. Perkins says the CMO is the glue that holds the organization together
The most important personality traits for an aspiring CMO
How a CMO advocates for physicians and improves processes
Why Serene says no two days are the same in her job
How Dr. Perkins manages conflicts when they arise
What salary range you can expect for a CMO role
How to build your leadership and management skills to become a CMO

Links for this episode:

Crucial Conversations – Tools For Talking When Stakes are High

American Association of Physician Leaders (AAPL)

American College of Healthcare Executives

Episode 134: Being A Physician Advisor In A Non-Hospital Based Role

Episode 105: Becoming A Physician Advisor – What’s the Scoop

Free Resources – There are a number of high value, free career resources you can check out under the FREEBIES tab. A good place to start is the Physician Transition Starter Kit, a “must have” when you’re questioning your career path. You can also find a guide for rocking your interview, chart review tips, a time management resource, and more.

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Colorectal Surgeon

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Emergency Medicine Physician

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Internal Medicine Physician

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Family Medicine

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Internal Medicine

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