Academic Leadership Development for Health Professions Programs

This study explored perceptions of leadership development in U.S. higher education health professions programs. Emphasis was placed on identifying value and need, key factors, trends, and personal experiences with leadership development programs.

This qualitative phenomenological study employed triangulation of data sourced from a survey, semi-structured interviews, and a focus group. Purposeful sampling included academic leaders who serve as the professional development directors, or an equivalent role, in health profession programs at one institution.

Data supported the emergence a major theme of the value of leadership development as influential factors to determine the positive perceptions of leadership development in health professions programs. Resource allocation and opportunities varied greatly by school, exposing a need for best practices for leadership development. Much of the data focused on the critical need for leadership development and the belief in the value for such programs. Participants agreed that development should be continual and longitudinal, include faculty at varying career levels, and offer multiple focus points for knowledge, confidence, and behavioral aspects of leadership.

Data from the current study substantiate a need for leadership development for academic leaders in health professions programs to support development and enhancement of skills needed to achieve professional success.