Succession Planning Done Right, with Bob Bush: Prepare Your Practice Before It’s Too Late
Download MP3In this episode of the MGMA Insights Podcast, host and senior editor Daniel Williams sits down with Bob Bush, a seasoned healthcare executive and MGMA leader, to explore one of the most overlooked — and perhaps most critical — aspects of medical practice management: succession planning.
Drawing from decades of experience, Bob shares practical strategies for identifying future leaders, avoiding operational disruption, and building a sustainable organization. The conversation also touches on leadership development tools, lessons learned from real-world failures, and how proactive planning can prevent chaos when key team members leave.
Whether you're leading a large medical group or a smaller outpatient practice, this episode offers actionable insights to help you future-proof your organization.
Key Takeaways
Key Takeaways
[05:10] Getting to know Bob Bush
- Bob shares highlights from his healthcare leadership career, including his role as CEO of a large physician group
- Reflections on MGMA involvement, career growth, and lessons learned across leadership roles
[05:55] Why succession planning is NOT optional
- Waiting until a crisis hits (retirement, illness, sudden departure) can paralyze operations
- Succession planning should start on day one, not during an emergency
[06:27] Succession planning goes beyond leadership roles
- Critical roles include HR, payroll, IT, and front desk staff
- Every “mission-critical” position needs a backup plan
[09:03] Lessons from failure: what happens without a plan
- Real-world example: a physician-led practice collapses operationally when the leader is suddenly absent
- No shared access, no cross-training, no backup = total shutdown
[12:32] The retirement reality check for leaders
- Retirement is a 5-year transition process, not a switch you flip
- Leaders must plan for purpose, identity, and daily structure post-career
[15:35] Practical tools for succession planning (visit the video version of this interview on YouTube to view Bob's screenshares)
- Build a simple spreadsheet tracking:
- Key roles
- Potential successors
- Risk level of departure
[19:46] Identifying future leaders within your organization
- Use structured tools like the 9-box talent grid
- Focus development efforts on high-potential, high-performing employees
[23:55] From recruiter to practice leader
- A pivotal career moment led Bob from physician recruiting into practice management
- Early mentorship sparked his long-term involvement with MGMA
[26:10] Why MGMA certification and continuing education matter
- Demonstrates commitment to the profession, similar to physician board certification
- Requires ongoing continuing education to stay current
- Bob shares his role in helping develop certification exam questions and shaping industry standards
[00:33:18] The human side of leadership transitions
- Loss of daily interaction can lead to isolation
- Staying engaged (consulting, volunteering, part-time work) is key to well-being
Resources
- MGMA Member Webinar: Is Your Practice Ready for its Next Chapter of Leadership? (on-demand access available through MGMA)
- Book Recommendation: The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer
- Podcast Mentioned: Midlife Chrysalis
- MGMA Member Tool: Succession Planning Template
