Clinician-administrator; challenges associated with changing roles.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Leadership Studies

Background:

• Medical education must adapt to evolving disease patterns, technologies, and treatments.
• Stakeholder buy-in is essential for implementing necessary changes in medical education.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the leadership and communication skills required for Medical Deans.
• To question the current selection process for deans and the development of their leadership attributes.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative analysis of the challenges faced by Medical Deans.
• Review of leadership qualities essential for academic leadership.

Main Results:

• Leading academic leaders towards common goals is a significant challenge for Deans.
• The selection process for Deans may not adequately consider essential leadership and communication skills.

Conclusions:

• Medical Deans require strong leadership and communication skills to guide medical education reform.
• There is a need to assess and develop leadership competencies in potential and current Deans.