Lead Change

Lead Change
Podcast Description
On this podcast, we will share stories from physicians in various medical specialties and those in roles that support the advancement of medicine to understand the skills necessary to be an effective leader. We’ll celebrate their success and hear about strategies to overcome hurdles. We will also highlight some of the unique challenges faced by women in medicine who are interested in pursuing leadership positions and the importance of mentorship, sponsorship, and allyship in achieving and being successful in those roles.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast delves into themes such as leadership in medicine, overcoming challenges in healthcare, and the unique obstacles faced by women aspiring to leadership roles. Episodes include discussions on mentorship, effective leadership traits, and strategies for women in medicine, exemplified by the first episode featuring Dr. Liz Matzkin, which explores the nuances of successful leadership styles and trust-building within teams.

On this podcast, we will share stories from physicians in various medical specialties and those in roles that support the advancement of medicine to understand the skills necessary to be an effective leader. We’ll celebrate their success and hear about strategies to overcome hurdles. We will also highlight some of the unique challenges faced by women in medicine who are interested in pursuing leadership positions and the importance of mentorship, sponsorship, and allyship in achieving and being successful in those roles.
Episode Summary
This episode of the Lead Change podcast features Dr. David Parker, an internationally recognized knee surgeon from Sydney, Australia, and past president of ISAKOS and APKASS. Dr. Parker shares insights from his career in knee surgery, leadership experiences in international orthopedic societies, and his commitment to evidence-based practice. He discusses ISAKOS’s global educational initiatives, including cadaveric labs and programs supporting female surgeons, the importance of mentorship, and lessons learned about diplomacy and consensus-building in leadership. Dr. Parker emphasizes persistence, credibility among peers, and respect as keys to success, while acknowledging the role of self-criticism in driving improvement. He also reflects on how leadership can be both challenging and deeply rewarding, especially when it fosters diversity and inspires the next generation.
Key Takeaways
- Evidence-Driven Care: Building a strong research foundation—over 20,000 patients dataset—allows for data-backed clinical decision-making and advances in patient outcomes.
- Global Collaboration: Exposure to diverse perspectives through organizations like ISAKOS and APKASS fosters innovation and better patient care worldwide.
Leadership Challenges: Leading an international organization requires diplomacy, the ability to synthesize diverse viewpoints, and the skill to maintain unity while making strategic decisions.
Power of Mentorship: Early mentors can inspire confidence and open doors to leadership opportunities that might otherwise seem unattainable.
Diversity Matters: Promoting women in leadership enriches organizations, broadens perspectives, and removes barriers to contribution.
Self-Criticism as a Driver: Being one’s own toughest critic can fuel improvement but requires balance to avoid burnout.
Persistence as a Strength: Endurance—likened to running a marathon—is key to sustaining high performance and achieving long-term goals.
Respect Over Recognition: True career success lies in earning and keeping the respect of one’s peers.
Implementation Over Theory: Leadership principles are most valuable when actively applied, not just understood.
Life Philosophy: Quotes from his swimming coach—”Plenty of time for rest when you’re dead” and ”What time is it? It’s the best time of your life, enjoy it”—capture his approach to work and life.

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