The potholed path to becoming a physician executive

This article discusses evolving career pathways for physician executives--pathways that take physicians out of primarily patient care roles and into management activities. The discussion is textured with "how-to" advice for readers who may have aspirations of becoming physician managers and executives. The advice stems from my own experiences in the pharmaceutical industry and other healthcare sectors. Specific topics addressed include: attending business school, gaining management experience, working in large corporations, dealing with job loss, acquiring both hard and soft skills, cultivating mentors, and developing leadership competencies. Physician executives must demonstrate strong leadership abilities and learn how to tactfully confront difficult people and problems.