The fourth item listed by the panelists at the HLA tête-à-tête was that of knowledge of the healthcare environment (Stefl, 2008). Although the candidate for the position of Office Manager for the Family Practice Clinic may not have to be a healthcare practitioner, an understanding of the healthcare system and the environment in which healthcare managers and providers function would be an essential knowledge base for any candidate worthy of consideration. In corroboration of this viewpoint, Paese (2010) noted that experience with, and knowledge of organizational systems, practices, processes and procedures constituted key profile elements of good assessment tools. Indeed, as a practitioner in the industry, this author believes that mastery of the language, culture, expectations and working conditions of healthcare providers, how they relate to patients, with each other, as well as with other members of the healthcare team would be an important asset for the Office Manager of this Family Practice Clinic. This would be so, especially with a job description that clearly stipulates the task of supervising administrative clerks, reporting to the chief physician, and coordinating with the Supervisor of Nursing Services, other nurse and physicians, as well as with administrative and health care personnel in other medical offices and clinics. An interview, a biographical data and references and background checks may be suitable in assessing …show more content…
Also, professionalism, defined by the HLA panelists as the facility to maintain ethical and professional standards in line with personal and organizational conduct was highlighted as essential in assessing candidates for the position of Office Manager at the Clinic (Stefl, 2008). The author also noted the addition of responsibility to the patient and community, a service orientation, and a commitment to lifelong learning and improvement, as other elements of this critical competency. The importance of this attribute for the candidate of Office Manager for the Clinic could not be overemphasized. This could be assessed through a résumé, an interview. For a growing practice that takes care of many patients, and affecting the livelihood of many, the requirement of professionalism should be fundamental and non-negotiable. This should also hold for the first of the five competencies adopted by the HLA panelists - communication and relationship