Challenges in developing physician leadership and management

Many of the issues confronting healthcare organizations require physician involvement and understanding, and the physician executive is a tool to achieving physician participation. Physician leaders can become the mediators between physicians and organizational management, minimizing miscommunication and maximizing agreement and understanding. Yet few doctors seem willing to stand up and speak positively for the plans and proposals that will move the institution forward, and healthcare executives are often frustrated by physician leadership that fails to articulate and implement the vision and objectives of the organization. Understanding physician leadership and exploring the challenges in managing and leading physicians require an understanding of the physician mindset--a completely different mindset than that of the typical healthcare executive. Beginning with a discussion of the unique situation faced by physicians in leadership positions, this article attempts to define the obstacles faced by both the physician and the executive in developing the role of physician executive. After reviewing the opportunities open to physician executives for improving leadership ability, the author presents the essential characteristics and core skills for effective leadership. The second half of the article suggests ways in which an organization can reemphasize physician leadership development within an organization from selection of potential candidates to creating training and networking opportunities and offering appropriate incentives.