Q & A Table of Contents
Advice for a political hot spot: Dealing with the Medical
Establishment in Australia
From: Doctor Mac, Australia
Question: I have been asked out to lunch by Professor W. from the Oncology department ( Children's cancer) at the Children's Hospital. It seems likely that he wants to point out the error of my ways. I have accepted a job as Paediatrician/therapist at the 'Good Guy' Foundation, as part of the team running Cancer Support Groups for children. The hospital has NO TIME for the 'Good Guy' Foundation, is very threatened by it, and will have nothing to do with it.
The 'Good Guy' Foundation is run by a truly remarkable cancer survivor. He had osteosarcoma about 25 years ago and was given 2 weeks to live. He used "alternative therapies" and recovered (minus a leg). I understand that in the early days he did upset the medical profession, was a pretty angry young man and did tell people to think twice before having conventional treatment etc. He has mellowed a lot and I have never heard him say ANYTHING controversial provided you are openminded and accept there are 101 ways to skin a cat. He advocates good diet, good attitude, meditation, exercise, laughter etc.
The haematology/oncology department and I got on very well when I worked for them about 15 years ago and I have never done anything to blot my copy book, until now. But I think that all cancer patients are being offered by the hospital is medical technology and all the emotional, mental, and spiritual healing just doesn't happen. Our programme is basically a well being programme, giving parents and children skills to cope with serious life threatening illness, and information on nutrition, meditation, self empowerment, raising immunity through laughter, massage etc.
Do you have any basic advice about how to handle a luncheon like this???? I have always stayed out of the political arena, but cannot refuse to go out to lunch with the professor. I have already handled two other professors badly, trying to get them to see my point of view which was a waste of time.
The lunch is very soon. I am not going to give up this job, whatever the hospital has to say, as I believe in my heart that what they ('Good Guy' Foundation) are offering is right, and they are going to do it whether I'm part of the team or not, and whether the hospital likes it or not.
Response: Your situation sounds like a real challenge. I think the very smartest move on your part would be to do as much homework as you can ahead of time to find out what's on the Prof"s mind. His agenda may not be negative; for all you know he is curious how to deal with the foundation.
When you are at lunch, ask questions. What are his interests (in this situation)? Interests are not WHAT a person wants, but WHY they want it. Moreover, when you investigate interests, you need to think about how a person 'justifies' their expressed interest versus how that interest would be implemented from a 'utilisation' standpoint; what assets/resources need to be used to achieve the goal(s)?
No less important, you should try to learn the interests he thinks exist in the personal or organisational minds of other stakeholders: doctors & healthcare professionals, cancer victims & their families, folks who support treatments that go beyond medical technology. Are there differences among different ethnic or other groups in Australian society in terms of their predilections regarding 'holistic' treatment?
I would recommend that you not treat the lunch as a 'one off' opportunity. You are likely to gain more by spending virtually all of your time listening, asking questions, and finding out the professor's priorities and 'hot buttons'. Then, after you have had a chance to cogitate, you may be able to respond -- even to the point of advocacy of the holistic approach -- using terms and concepts the professor has raised in making his points. If you use his terminology, I suspect you may be more successful.
Whatever you do, don't walk in with a chip on your shoulder. Even if attacked, roll with the punches. Don't take it personally. Just sit there quietly absorbing the information, rather than the punishment. Then use the information as a tool to bring things forward.
Perhaps you should create and use an 'interest map' to prepare your strategy ahead of time. And perhaps do a joint interest map with the professor so you two can figure out the interests of all of the stakeholders in the outcome of your discussion.
Good luck and good negotiating, Steve.
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