How to respond to this request

[Anonymous]

I’m a doctor at a major not for profit hospital. I direct a division and have a well heeled clientele who found me. My hospital’s development office drew up a list of imputed home values for all my patients and wants me to approach the most affluent ones for donations. I am new to all this but have never been asked for anything like this before. I don’t feel comfortable with this at all. I don’t want to ask my patients for donations. If they choose to donate fine w me but I don’t want to do the asking. Anyone here have experience w this? Am I wrong and maybe this is how things work at my level (I am new to this level)?

[Anonymous]

I think in general director level and above are expected to assist with fund raising. I’m sure your development office will have some guidance for you in terms of how approach it.

[Anonymous]

No, that is not your lane. There should be fundraisers on staff that handle the capital fundraising. Why aren't they getting large and medium sized businesses from the community to become sponsors. I would stay as far away from this as possible. Why would they take your focus off of medicine? Tell them no, you would not feel comfortable doing this and this is not something you had agreed to with your employment.

[Anonymous]

That sounds like a conflict of interest to me. If I were a patient I would wonder if the quality of care is impacted by whether I donate. I know it's not supposed to be, but people are human.

[Anonymous]

Maybe agree to film a video extolling the virtues of the care provided there or something but direct solicitation seems a bridge too far, IMO. I'd be put off. They should hire fundraisers.

[Anonymous]

I assume you're doing this outside of your physical role, not during visits. Your fundraisering team should be organizing all of this and your roll should be very limited... invite them to a gala or something.

[Anonymous]

Another vote for not doing it. I have become a believer that as we get closer to our financial independence we should focus on the jobs that matter to us and resonate with our personality. If you feel uncomfortable with the task then yes push back and yes, I wouldn't feel happy if my physician comes asking me for donations. I would likely find another one where I don't feel the pressure.. so if you do ahead with their ask, know that some of the well heeled clientele may leave you

[Anonymous]

Huge NO NO. Not with your patients. The hospital should create a fund-raising campaign and target wealthy neighborhoods in its area. The dev office should be the lead on this. They can organize everything and invite donors to a gala or dinner, with you as an honored guest, where you will be lauded for your contributions to healthcare. YOU do not ask your patients for anything.

[Anonymous]

I work in a hospital and they have a dedicated fund-raising team that taps potential donors. It would not be appropriate for you to directly hit up your rich patients.

[Anonymous]

You do realize your hospital is not really a "not for profit", don't you? That's just the tax structure. Have management spend some of their bonus money on hiring staff to make these "beg for money" calls.

Alternatively.. tell them you'll do it, but don't make the calls.

[Anonymous]

How does your development team have access to patient files? Is this not a HIPPA violation?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Maybe agree to film a video extolling the virtues of the care provided there or something but direct solicitation seems a bridge too far, IMO. I'd be put off. They should hire fundraisers.

This is a good idea if you want to offer an alternative. I would be SO put off if my doctor hit me up for a donation.