P2 Management Minute: Summer staffing shortages

Hey there folks, my name is Keith Reynolds, I’m the editor of Physicians Practice and for today’s P2 Management Minute and here are three tips to avoid summer staffing chaos:

First, lock in time-off requests early. Ask clinicians and staff to submit vacation requests six to eight weeks before Memorial Day—and publish a visible calendar to help balance workloads. Now it’s a bit late for that, but getting the schedule solidified is always a good move.

Second, cross-train your staff. When medical assistants can cover the front desk and receptionists know how to room patients, unexpected absences won't throw off your entire schedule.

Finally, build a flexible bench. Tap part-time staff looking for extra hours, and consider remote work on lighter clinic days.

For more practice management strategies to keep your team running smoothly all year round, check out our latest insights at PhysiciansPractice.com. Thanks for watching.

About the P2 Management Minute

The P2 Management Minute is a fast-paced video micro-series from Physicians Practice that distills proven management strategies into bite-size, one-minute episodes for busy medical practice administrators and lead physicians. Each installment spotlights high-impact tactics—drawn from real-world best practices and expert insights—that administrators can apply the same day to boost efficiency, strengthen patient satisfaction, or elevate staff engagement. No theory, no fluff; just concise, actionable guidance that respects tight schedules and delivers measurable results between appointments.

Record your own!

Interested in stepping in front of the camera to share a quick tip of your own, or have a suggestion for a topic we should spotlight in an upcoming P² Management Minute? We’d love to hear from you. Whether it’s a proven strategy for streamlining workflows, a clever morale-booster, or a hard-won lesson on patient engagement, your insight could help peers across the country elevate their practices in just 60 seconds. Drop Keith a note at kreynolds@mjhlifesciences.com with your idea—or, better yet, a brief outline or smartphone video sample—and we’ll walk you through the simple submission process. Let’s collaborate to make every minute count for the medical community.

Keith A. Reynolds is the editor of Physicians Practice and wants to know what practice issues are keeping you up at night. You can let him know at kreynolds@mjhlifesciences.com.