Setting the Stage

As people arrive use soft instrumental music to help them calm themselves. The informal social time over breakfast helps participants feel comfortable in the setting and allows some early networking. Start the orientation on time even if 90 per cent of the participants have not yet arrived; honor the time of the physicians who honored your time. Organize the meeting room with seating around a table and let each person give name, specialty, and group affiliation. Ask, “What appealed to you about practicing at this hospital? What concerns do you have as you start a practice here?” These opening questions help the participants see that their motives and challenges are not that different from the others.