The physician-executive: Part 2. The mature physician. Retooling for management roles

Many physician-managers enter the field of management in mid-career. There are ample opportunities for learning the principles of management through societies such as the American Academy of Medical Directors, through graduate degree and shorter programs targeted to mature physicians, and through institutionally developed programs of continuing education. Mastery of these principles requires application in practice. The challenges are great, and both personal satisfaction and financial rewards are good; but there is more risk in retaining such a position than there is in the practice of medicine.