Lakeland Neurosurgical Specialists is a growing neurosurgical practice located in the rural town of Castle Rock. The practice started five years ago with the merger of two solo practicing surgeons. Today, the practice boasts five surgeons $($including a fellowship trained spine specialist$)$ and three nurse practitioners.

Their volume has grown significantly over the years, as they$$re able to offer services in Castle Rock that used to be referred to major academic medical centers hours away. Further, the practice has developed a reputation of delivering compassionate and quality care. This reputation has actually caused some patients from larger cities to seek care at Lakeland.

Needless to say, the surgeons and staff at Lakeland stay very busy. The physicians and nurse practitioners will each see up to twenty patients a day, and the surgeons may perform anywhere from six to fifteen procedures during a routine day.

Recently, the practice has experienced an issue with the main hospital they perform most of their surgical cases. The hospital, Lost Cove Healthcare, in Castle Rock, has decided to recruit their own Neurosurgeon with hopes of establishing its own Neurosurgery practice. Presumably, to capitalize on the volume and revenue that Lakeland Neurosurgical Specialists has captured. There is no doubt the practice Lost Cove hopes to establish will be a direct competitor with Lakeland Neurosurgical Specialists$/$

The founding partner of Lakeland Neurosurgical Specialists, Dr$.$ Steve King, is livid once he hears the Lost Cove Healthcare$$s plan to launch their own Neurosurgical program and recruit Neurosurgeons. He schedules a meeting with the CEO of Lost Cove Healthcare to discuss the organization$$s plan.

You$$re the CEO of Lost Cove Healthcare. You meet with Dr$.$ King tomorrow.

Part $1$ Discussion Questions:

What$$s your initial reaction to his demand for a meeting?

How do you prepare for your meeting with Dr$.$ King?

As the leader of the health system, you have a difficult job. You have to grow the health system, and at the same time, you can$$t afford to upset independent physicians who bring in revenue to the hospital as well. What kind of strategies would you use as you speak with Dr$.$ King?