Physicians and clinicians are always racing against the clock. Between patient care, documentation, and staying updated on medical advancements, time is their most valuable—and scarce—resource. That’s where medical librarians come in. Instead of spending hours searching for reliable sources, physicians can quickly access the right clinical tools and evidence-based research. My role? -Curate the most relevant, up-to-date information -Help clinicians make informed decisions—without the endless search -Save them time, so they can focus on what matters: patient care Because in medicine, every second counts.

Most physicians who are time-strapped do experience a lot of burnouts due to work overload. Our emotional intelligence skills like empathy will work wonders to help build a strong and efficient working relationship with them.

One life changing training can be around "Time and priority" We all have the same amount of time. Learning how to manage priorities is key. We do not train this in medical scholls. I think a physician should be obsessed by "not doing" any time consuming task that is not his priority, best value for the institution. Sometimes it leads to conflict, that he should assume and defend.

My strategy is usually to first of all, understand the wants and goals of our physicians. For example, the medical officers at my hospital are usually using our hospital as a stepping stone to a better career opportunity in USA etc. Since I realize that, I end up using those as negotiating factors and helping them realize that my tasks will eventually help them in their own careers. Further, have a two way communication with them regarding problems they are facing in doing the work such as time issues. Lastly, the use of IT infrastructure is crucial. The dry tasks can be automated. If we as administrators understand that and make sure they know we understand this, this goes a long way.

To collaborate effectively with a time-strapped physician, prioritize efficiency and respect. Be concise and to the point in meetings, providing clear and relevant information. Utilize technology to streamline communication, such as shared notes or project management tools, to reduce the need for frequent back-and-forth. Offer solutions rather than just problems, and show flexibility in adapting to their schedule. Understanding their pressures and being mindful of their time can help build mutual respect and a stronger working relationship.

As someone with MICU and outpatient procedure leadership background, delegation is important. You need a functioning team of leadership in between the patients, general staff and the physician. That would usually be the charge nurse or nursing supervisor. That person is the filter to organize and efficiently delegate what needs to go to the provider and what can be addressed by the lead nurse or amongst the team. The second thing would be preparation and anticipate needs. This helps support the workflow and that things run efficiently and at a swift pace.

In my experience, building a strong relationship with time-strapped physicians means being concise, efficient, and proactive. I prioritize clear, actionable communication, using tools like voice memos and shared documents to minimize disruptions. By anticipating their needs, filtering out unnecessary details, and adapting to their preferred workflow, I ensure every interaction adds value. This approach builds trust and positions me as a strategic partner, not just another task on their plate.

If I'm collaborating with a time-strapped physician, I need to be crystal clear and define what is needed on both fronts and be realistic in what I expect. I always show up exactly on time and ask how I might be of help, ask them what they consider to be their biggest "waste of time"

Communication précise et efficace :. Allez droit à l’essentiel et privilégiez une communication qui va à l’essentiel. Respect des délais : Montrez une gestion du temps rigoureuse en étant ponctuel et en respectant les échéances. Écoute attentive : Soyez réceptif aux besoins et priorités du médecin, bien cerner ses attentes et ses préoccupations. Adaptabilité : Faites preuve de souplesse face aux imprévus. votre capacité à vous adapter renforcera la fluidité de la collaboration. Proactivité : Anticipez les besoins ou les éventuels obstacles et proposez des solutions Création d’un climat de confiance : Veillez à instaurer un environnement où le médecin se sent écouté, soutenu et respecté. La confidentialité et la fiabilité.