As health systems work to boost margins, maintain care quality, and improve patient access, partnership with physicians is essential.

In this episode of Healthcare Upside Down, ECG principal Beth Graefe talks with Dr. Andy Anderson, Chief Medical and Quality Officer at RWJ Barnabas Health, about strengthening physician engagement and what doctors can do to help the health system achieve its strategic objectives.

Three Key Takeaways:

1. Physician Engagement as a Discipline

Successful organizations treat engagement as an ongoing, structured effort—not an episodic exercise. Clear role definitions, accountability for controllable factors, and trust built through data transparency are essential.

2. Physicians Leading Physicians

Peer influence is the strongest driver of clinical decision-making. Elevating physicians into leadership roles, supported by training and recognition, fosters collaboration and accelerates adoption of best practices across service lines.

3. Holistic Performance and Wellness

Health systems must evaluate performance across multiple dimensions—cost, quality, access, and patient satisfaction—while prioritizing physician wellness. Tools like AI-driven documentation and wellness committees help reduce burnout and free physicians to focus on patient care.