The Inevitable Interim: Transitional Leaders in Academic Medicine

This Invited Commentary calls attention to the growing phenomenon of interim leadership, temporary leadership during which a permanent leader is sought, in academic medicine and the gap in intentional, formal leadership training of future health care leaders. The authors consider interim leadership from the perspectives of the organization, the appointing authority, and the interim leader. The authors highlight a fundamental challenge facing interim leaders-providing stability during periods of significant change. They also stress the strategic importance of interim periods and the need for succession planning within academic medicine organizations. Drawing on personal experiences and existing literature, the authors offer a 4-stage framework for considering interim leadership at academic medicine organizations and strategies for success at each stage: (1) expectations and exploration, (2) adjusting expectations, (3) accommodation, and (4) phasing out. This Invited Commentary is intended to serve as a resource for interim leaders, those responsible for appointing them, and the organizations they are called upon to lead.