Succeed in Medicine: Practical Knowledge for Busy Physicians Ep465 - Strengthening Physician Advocacy Through Unionization
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In this episode, host Dr. Bradley Block welcomes Marisa Powell and Gabrielle Hanley, to demystify physician unions. They explain how unions empower employed physicians to improve working conditions, protect professional autonomy, and advocate for patient care. The discussion covers why physician unions were rare historically, who is eligible to unionize (non-managerial employees), and the legal nuances under the National Labor Relations Act.
Marisa and Gabrielle share real-world examples, including a Washington State urgent care strike over PPE access, and discuss strategies like collective bargaining for better contracts and public advocacy to influence hospital policies. A must-listen for physicians considering unionization in an increasingly corporatized healthcare system.
Three Actionable Takeaways:
- Identify Common Issues Across Specialties – Start union conversations by finding shared concerns among colleagues in different specialties to build a unified front.
- Leverage Collective Advocacy – Use coordinated efforts, like public campaigns or media outreach, to pressure employers on issues like patient safety or workplace policies, even before formal negotiations.
- Research Union Options – Contact organizations like Doctors Council (doctorscouncil.org) to explore unionization, but ensure strong colleague support for sustained impact.
About the Show:
The Physician’s Guide to Doctoring covers patient interactions, burnout, career growth, personal finance, and more. If you're tired of dull medical lectures, tune in for real-world lessons we should have learned in med school!
About the Guest:
Marisa Powell and Gabrielle Hanley are lead union organizers with Doctors Council, part of SEIU Local 10MD. They spearhead physician union campaigns and collective bargaining efforts nationwide, helping doctors advocate for better working conditions, patient care, and professional autonomy in both private and public healthcare settings.
Website: https://www.doctorscouncil.org
LinkedIn - Marisa Powell: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marisa-powell-b31110b4/
Gabrielle Hanley : https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielle-hanley-747013113/
About the host:
Dr. Bradley Block – Dr. Bradley Block is a board-certified otolaryngologist at ENT and Allergy Associates in Garden City, NY. He specializes in adult and pediatric ENT, with interests in sinusitis and obstructive sleep apnea. Dr. Block also hosts The Physician’s Guide to Doctoring podcast, focusing on personal and professional development for physicians
Want to be a guest? Email Brad at brad@physiciansguidetodoctoring.com or visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to learn more!
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This medical podcast is your physician mentor to fill the gaps in your medical education. We cover physician soft skills, charting, interpersonal skills, doctor finance, doctor mental health, medical decisions, physician parenting, physician executive skills, navigating your doctor career, and medical professional development. This is critical CME for physicians, but without the credits (yet). A proud founding member of the Doctor Podcast Network!
Visit www.physiciansguidetodoctoring.com to connect, dive deeper, and keep the conversation going. Let’s grow!
Disclaimer:
This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical, financial, or legal advice. Always consult a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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