The emerging role of the physician in administration

Physicians often find it difficult to determine the type of training needed to prepare themselves for administrative roles in health services organizations. Without extensive knowledge about organizations and how they function and how administrators contribute to organizational performance, physicians tend to view management roles as either overwhelmingly complex, or, conversely, simply a matter of using good judgment. In an attempt to help clarify this issue, we have outlined six management problems that an entry-level physician executive should be able to deal with successfully without asking for help. If physicians find that they are unable to deal with these issues, they should seek additional training before considering a management role.