Successful physician leaders--Who are they? What do they do?

Carla Stebbins, ABD, Division of Health Management, Des Moines University - Osteopathic Medical Center, Division of Health Management, 3200 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA 50312, 515 271-1497, Carla.Stebbins@dmu.edu

Physicians are in a unique position to be effective change agents in the evolving health care system. Their role is crucial to ensure the proper integration of quality care and cost containment. Most physicians believe that their education and experience in practice ensures their success as physician leaders, yet many are reported to be highly in-effective in these roles. In fact, studies highlight the disruptive behavior of some physicians and the negative outcomes to such behavior. Today, the risks of weak leadership are more than just a few dissatisfied patients…there are serious legal and financial issues to consider.

If we cannot rely on a credential or experience, how do we identify physician leaders? For those engaged in the development of physician leaders, what is the desired outcome?

The findings of this qualitative study provide grounded theory to identifying the personal characteristics and professional disciplines of physician that are successfully leading change in today’s health care system. These findings, along with data to support, will be shared with participants. In addition, direction on how to develop these leadership characteristics within a medical school, residency program, or other professional development program will be provided.

Learning Objectives:

At to close of this session, participants will be able to

1)Discuss the importance of physicians assuming leadership roles and positions in the health care system.
2)Outline two reasons why traditional medical curriculum is counterproductive to the development of it’s students as leaders.
3)Describe key characteristics and professional disciplines of successful physician leaders.
4)Discuss the implications of these findings on medical school curricula or other development programs, today.

Keywords: Leadership, Physicians

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation

The Challenge of Leadership in Public Health

The 132nd Annual Meeting (November 6-10, 2004) of APHA