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Exploring Physician Leadership with Tarra Faulk, Nephrologist and Founder of Catalyst
An Air Force doctor's mission to empower fellow physician executives to navigate leadership challenges in healthcare
Explorers is the interview series that brings together the people leading bold missions to improve health, technology, and society. Let’s meet today’s Explorer.
Meet Tarra
Tell us a little bit about you and your journey.
I am an Air Force Nephrologist, specializing in kidney diseases, but my journey goes far beyond the confines of a typical medical career.
In 2018 I made the decision to shift from 100% clinical practice to a leadership role as the Chief of Medical Staff (the military equivalent to the civilian Chief Medical Officer). But I didn’t stop there. After three years in the CMO role, I decided it was time to pursue my next leadership challenge and serve as the Chief, Medical and Surgical Program for the Defense Health Agency.
While I've retained my clinical practice to stay competent, my primary role now centers around being a physician-executive. I serve as a consultant and coach, harnessing my medical and leadership expertise to drive impactful changes across large organizations. This fall, I will once again start a new job. It’s true what they say, the only constant in life is change.
My journey so far is a testament to the endless possibilities that lie within the physician career arc— and I cannot wait for what’s next.
Meet Catalyst
Tell us about your mission and the people you serve.
My personal mission is to empower physician executives to navigate the intricate challenges of leadership in healthcare.
To realize that vision I’m excited to share my team will soon be launching Catalyst Physician Executive Coaching, a new venture that aims to support fellow physicians to and through key growth milestones in their careers.
At Catalyst, we are uniquely positioned to support physicians and medical executives as they transition from clinical practice into leadership, where they will foster innovation, lead their peers, and drive positive change in their organizations, as well as the broader healthcare industry.
Tell us a bit more about the problem you’re solving.
The full leadership potential of physicians remains untapped, often waiting for the right time, opportunity, and skills needed to unlock it.
While the overall percentage of physician leaders in hospitals hasn’t changed (approximately 5% of hospital leaders are physicians), an overwhelming number of the top-ranked hospitals continue to be run by physician CEOs.1
I know that lesson firsthand, and have been re-learning it for more than two decades now. And there’s a good reason for it. Think of physicians as vital components within a complex system, akin to how McDonald's values its real estate as much as its fries.2
As time has passed, physicians have taken on a wider array of responsibilities. These include clinical decision-making, managing operations and staff, and even overseeing hospital and health system administration. The most successful physician leaders find ways to gain and apply generalist knowledge that enhances their clinical expertise. Bridging this gap is our specialty.
Our mission is to empower physicians to become dynamic leaders in medicine.
What trends and signals are top of mind in your space?
Ready Reliable Care
Within the Defense Health Agency, a significant initiative is underway, centered on the concept of Ready Reliable Care in building a High Reliability Organization.34
In essence, we're leveraging the insights gained from previous models to streamline processes, eliminate redundant practices, and ultimately elevate the quality of care we provide to our beneficiaries.
It's important to recognize that as a nation we overutilize healthcare services, leading to continually escalating healthcare costs. This model is unsustainable, and places a significant burden on our healthcare system. However, the lessons learned and innovations developed within the military health system can serve as a valuable blueprint for the civilian sector.
By sharing these approaches, we aim to contribute to a more sustainable and efficient healthcare system for the entire nation.
Any recent wins or milestones we should know about?
I'm thrilled to share that my first book, "The Misery of Dreams," is set to launch later this month on Amazon. In the book, I delve into my journey in medicine, as well as my experiences as a wife and mother. But it's more than just a personal story; it's a narrative of failing forward, empowerment, and the invaluable life lessons that have shaped me into a better person throughout my journey.
Her guidance empowers readers to overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and find fulfillment in their professional pursuits.”5
We are looking for…
Clients— physicians seeking leadership roles & skill sets
Capital— early stage capital focused on medical reform
Tech— digital platforms designed for leadership training
R&D— scenario-based learning for MDs and residents
Final Frontier
Deep [Space], Deeper Questions — 5 Questions in 50 words or less
Q1: Top Opportunity in your space right now?
A: Bottom-to-top medical reform
Q2: Top Challenge in your space right now?
A: Time management
Q3: Tech Trends you’re following?
A: Artificial intelligence (AI) in literature
Q4: Top Media recommendations?
A: The Covenant of Water, by Abraham Verghese
Q5: Leaders you’re following?
A: Michelle Wyche (friend and Air Force leader), Simon Sinek, James Clear, Oprah Winfrey
Connect and Follow
Visit Tarra’s personal website
Sign up for her newsletter
Watch Tarra’s recent interview on the Maximo Show
This Explorers series aims to elevate the stories of those building a better future in healthcare and technology. Meet the clinicians, scientists, technologists, and trailblazers driving positive change in healthcare, technology, and beyond. Let’s share their stories and amplify their signals to the right people.
Physician leadership is needed now more than ever (Medical Economics, 2022)
MCDONALD’S $42B REAL ESTATE EMPIRE, EXPLAINED (Workweek, 2022)
Ready Reliable Care is the Defense Health Agency's (DHA) approach to increasing high reliability across the Military Health System (MHS). (Health.mil)