Posts by Karen Finnin
Building Effective Medical Networks: A Guide for Human Performance Healthcare Leaders
In high-performance sport and performing arts, internal teams often cover day-to-day care — physiotherapy, massage, and strength & conditioning. But when it comes to specialized medical needs, external networks are essential. Whether it’s a sports physician, orthopaedic surgeon, or concussion expert, timely access to trusted specialists can directly influence an athlete’s recovery, compliance, and long-term…
Read MoreSystems and Automation: Save Time, Reduce Risk, and Refocus on Athlete Care
In elite sport, Human Performance Healthcare leaders wear many hats — strategist, clinician, mentor, administrator. But let’s be honest: the admin load can be overwhelming. From shift rosters and credential tracking to injury reports and onboarding, these behind-the-scenes tasks consume hours that could be spent improving athlete outcomes. That’s where systems and automation come in.…
Read MoreClinical Governance That Actually Protects: Leading Documentation & Compliance in Elite Sport
Clinical governance might not be the most glamorous part of human performance healthcare — but it’s one of the most important. It’s how we ensure our care is not only high quality, but also defensible, consistent, and safe. Whether you’re leading a small physio team or overseeing multiple departments, governance is your foundation for safety…
Read MoreClinical Oversight That Elevates Care (Without Micromanaging)
In elite sport and high-performance healthcare, clinical leadership isn’t just about knowing more — it’s about guiding better. Whether you’re mentoring a graduate physio or supporting a seasoned clinician, your role is to oversee without hovering, to guide without controlling. And when it’s done well? Clinical oversight becomes the engine behind better care and team…
Read MoreThe Athlete Trust Loop: How Great Clinicians Build Relationships That Drive Performance
Most healthcare professionals would say they have “good rapport” with the athletes they work with. And in many cases, that’s true—conversations flow, jokes are shared, treatments go to plan. But rapport isn’t the same as trust. In elite sport—where the pressure is high, decisions are time-sensitive, and the stakes include both careers and long-term health—trust…
Read MoreStakeholder Management in Human Performance Healthcare: Communicate with Influence, Strategy, and Empathy
In elite sport, healthcare leaders are generally confident when communicating with athletes and clinical peers. But managing communication upwards, across departments, or with external stakeholders can feel more tricky. That’s because stakeholder management isn’t just about what you say—it’s about delivering the right information, to the right people, in the right way. Done well, it…
Read MoreAre Performance Reviews Effective? Rethinking Feedback in Human Performance Healthcare Teams
Performance reviews have long been a standard practice in workplaces—including healthcare and high-performance sports settings. But are they effective? Traditional once-a-year performance reviews have been widely criticized for being too infrequent, one-sided, and often stressful. As a result, many organizations are shifting towards continuous, coaching-based feedback to drive better engagement, growth, and performance. For leaders…
Read MoreMentorship in Human Performance Healthcare: How to Develop and Support Your Team
Great healthcare teams don’t just happen—they are built. As a leader in human performance healthcare, one of your most important roles is to mentor and develop your team. The best health professionals are not just clinically skilled—they are also engaged, motivated, and continuously learning. Effective mentorship doesn’t mean micromanaging. It’s about providing guidance while fostering…
Read MoreCreating a Strong Culture in Human Performance Healthcare Teams
In elite sports, a team’s culture can make or break its success—and the same applies to the healthcare teams that support them. A high-functioning healthcare department is more than just a group of skilled professionals. It is a cohesive, engaged, and aligned team where every member contributes to a shared vision of athlete care and…
Read MoreBuilding Leadership Capabilities in Human Performance Healthcare
Many leaders in human performance strive for perfection—to have all the answers, make flawless decisions, and maintain control. However, research suggests that effective leadership isn’t about perfection—it’s about adaptability, humility, and collaboration. Building leadership in human performance healthcare is therefore far more complex than perfection. In elite sports, where uncertainty, change, and high-pressure decisions are…
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