As a recipient of the 2021 American Surgical Association (ASA) and Society of University Surgeons (SUS) Surgical Leaders Fellowship Grant, Dr. Radhakrishnan has submitted a report to the Association outlining what he learned while visiting nationally-recognized surgical chairs in the fall of 2023.
Dr. Radhakrishnan visited Dr. Keith Lillemoe, Chair of Surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital, and remarked on the breadth of collaboration opportunities provided with other organizations. They dove into leadership management strategy and techniques to create mutually beneficial solutions for the complex problems department chairs face.
Dr. Radhakrishnan also shadowed Dr. Diana Farmer, Chair of Surgery at UC Davis, who is also a pediatric surgeon by training. They discussed the balance of managing pediatric and adult clinical services, along with comprehensive strategies for networking and career development for members of the department.
Dr. Radhakrishnan intends to continue building on the relationships catalyzed through the generosity of the American Surgical Association and Society of University Surgeons Surgical Leaders Fellowship Grant.
A message from Dr. Radhakrishnan about the experience:
"I am honored to have received the American Surgical Association and Society of University Surgeons Surgical Leaders Fellowship Grant. My visits with Dr. Keith Lillemoe and Dr. Diana Farmer have been incredibly enlightening, offering me a rare glimpse into the realms of surgical leadership and hospital administration at some of the most successful Departments of Surgery in the country. Observing these leaders navigate the complexities of their roles with expertise, dedication, and strategic foresight has profoundly reinvigorated my aspirations to become a Chair of Surgery.
Each leader's unique approach to managing financial structures and clinical services, supporting and developing their faculty, and balancing administrative responsibilities with their own clinical or research passions provided invaluable lessons on the multifaceted nature of leadership in medicine.
These experiences have not only deepened my understanding of the role but also heightened my commitment to pursuing this career path, armed with the
insights and inspirations gained from observing the best in the field. I would like to thank the ASA and SUS for giving me this unique opportunity and know that this experience will prove invaluable in my future"