Exploring the power of exchange and leadership

Sciana Fellow Ulrike Streit highlights the value of exchanging ideas and learning from fellow healthcare leaders

Ulrike Streit is a managing senior physician in radiology at the Klinikum rechts der Isar, the University Hospital of the Technical University of Munich. Additionally, she oversees projects related to digitalisation, infrastructure and organisational development. She was previously chief operating officer at the University Hospital Frankfurt, where she was responsible for aligning clinical operations with the overall strategic vision of the hospital while aiming to deliver value to the patients.

She is a certified radiologist and has also worked as a strategy consultant for the Boston Consulting Group (BCG), focusing on health care projects that have acquainted her with the pharma and MedTech industry and the insurance business. Ulrike is member of Sciana's fifth cohort.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Sciana Network: What have you learned from your time as a Sciana Fellow, and what do you hope to learn still? 

Ulrike Streit: During my time as a Sciana Fellow, I have gained invaluable insights from the diverse leadership experiences of my peers. It has been particularly enriching to understand how different career paths are forged. The exchange of ideas and perspectives, especially regarding effective practices in various medical fields and innovative approaches to problem-solving, has been immensely beneficial for my professional and personal development. The broad range of tools and strategies I've acquired should not be underestimated.

The continuous process of exchanging knowledge with colleagues has been instrumental in addressing current issues and topics of concern. A significant learning point for me has been the concept of "system leadership," which was relatively new to me. Understanding this concept has provided me with a framework to impact different areas within the medical field.

I find it fascinating to learn about the unique career trajectories of others, many of which are quite unconventional. My own path has been somewhat atypical, as I had to carve out my career direction independently. In Germany and other countries, there are limited opportunities for medical doctors to transition into management roles. This experience has taught me where to acquire the necessary skills to advance, how to network effectively, and what knowledge is essential for progressing into different positions.

The Sciana Fellowship has equipped me with essential insights and tools, fostering a continuous learning process that supports my growth and development in the medical field and beyond.

SN: Can you reflect on one or two examples of leadership in your career that significantly impacted you and the way you work today? 

US: Reflecting on my career, two experiences stand out that have significantly influenced my leadership style and approach to work. First, my tenure as a management consultant with the Boston Consulting Group profoundly shaped my professional development. Although it was only a two-year period within my 10-year career, the impact was substantial. At BCG, I learned that an effective leader's primary role is to empower others to reach their fullest potential. This experience solidified my belief in the importance of fostering an environment where team members feel supported and encouraged to excel. I strive to incorporate this approach into my daily leadership practice.

Secondly, my experience as a radiologist has been equally influential, particularly in teaching me the importance of maintaining composure in high-pressure situations. Working in a fast-paced, often chaotic environment with frequent emergencies has instilled in me the ability to stay calm and focused during crises. This skill has proven invaluable across various contexts, enabling me to navigate challenging situations with clarity and poise.

These experiences have been pivotal in shaping my leadership philosophy, emphasising empowerment and composure as key elements of effective leadership.

SN: How does Cohort 5's Sciana Challenge relate to your day-to-day work and previous experience? How is the Sciana Challenge of interest to you? 

US: The challenge presented to Cohort 5 revolves around the One Health concept, with my group focusing specifically on the subtopic of technology and understanding how to develop and equip future health leaders to use technology to improve health ecosystems. 

In this endeavour, we interviewed numerous health leaders to gain diverse insights and perspectives. These discussions were incredibly enlightening and provided a wealth of knowledge about the current and future landscape of health technology.

Currently, I am conceptualizing the future structure of our radiology department. This involves determining the necessary processes, IT infrastructure, and strategies to enhance patient outcomes. Our aim is not just to address immediate needs but to anticipate and prepare for developments over the next few years. We are working towards enabling our organization to be agile and adaptable, ensuring that we are well-positioned to embrace future technologies.

This challenge aligns perfectly with my professional objectives, as it emphasizes the importance of forward-thinking and technological integration in health care. By understanding how to equip future leaders with these skills, we are setting the stage for a more efficient, effective, and resilient health ecosystem.

The Sciana Challenge has provided me with valuable insights and practical strategies that are directly applicable to my work, and it continues to fuel my passion for advancing health care through technology.

SN: What was your understanding of One Health before joining Sciana, and how would you explain it to someone unfamiliar with this term? 

US: Before joining Sciana, I was not too familiar with the concept of One Health. As a scientist, I have always viewed the world as a highly interdependent ecosystem, where changes to one sensitive variable can significantly impact others. This perspective has also made me particularly aware of environmental and animal health.

The One Health concept is expansive and complex, but it serves as a crucial overarching framework for addressing health issues. It emphasizes that we cannot make isolated changes and decisions; instead, we must consider the broader impacts of our actions. For example, climate change highlights our dependence on trees, animals, farming practices, and overall behaviour, demonstrating the sensitivity of our ecosystem. This interconnectedness applies directly to mental and physical health, making it vital to communicate and conceptualize this message.

Our discussions at Sciana have shown that while the One Health approach is challenging, it is essential to begin where these elements intersect and build from there.