Episode #65: “Once we can collaborate on multiple levels…” With Dr. Wael Saasouh and Lisa Scardina

“…then a solution becomes a lot more attainable!” says Dr. Wael Saasouh, Board-Certified Anesthesiologist, Researcher, and aspiring innovator. He is joined for this inspiring conversation by Lisa Scardina, Chief, Brand and Partner Development at Provider Solutions & Development. Lisa is also on the Executive Team and Traction Team for Medicine Forward. Wael shares one area that’s less spoken about is how every group, not just physicians, feels like they’re isolated in their suffering and what they’re going through. “The more divided we are, the more we demonize the other group, and we shouldn’t be doing that. We should be looking at our strengths in each other, and trying to come up with solutions that work for both. I think we do have these solutions, we’re just not invested enough in trying to find common ground.” Lisa adds that she’s come to appreciate the need to look at it from multiple levels, from the individual and what they can do in regards to stressors, to the culture of the team, to the business unit culture, all the way up to what is happening nationally. Effort invested in any of these categories can make a big difference in creating a better environment. Lisa discusses relational leadership, and the importance of getting back to human connections, “It’s the fuel to help us chart a better course for the future!” Wael agrees from his perspective of wearing many hats, in business, leadership, clinical, and research. Lisa and Wael each share a personal example from their own experience, demonstrating a positive change they have witnessed. We touch on A.I., with Wael talking about the positive ways we can use technology, and Lisa’s take on A.I., which also stands for Appreciative Inquiry; how we connect and have conversations matters! We talk about hope, and finding common understanding. Wael and Lisa share some excellent take-away messages, including not feeling like you have to learn everything, which is impossible, and how important it is to “Find your people!”