International Healthcare Leadership: The Global Pursuit of a Healthier Future

Healthcare leaders worldwide focus on patient and community health, facing intertwined challenges like staffing shortages, geopolitical changes, and environmental sustainability. The International Hospital Federation (IHF), established more than 90 years ago, unites healthcare leaders to create healthy communities served by well-managed hospitals through knowledge exchange and leadership development. Based in Geneva, Switzerland, the IHF collaborates closely with US healthcare leaders, particularly through organizations such as the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) and the American Hospital Association (AHA), a founding member of the IHF. This article presents insights from four global healthcare leaders, who discuss their backgrounds, leadership approaches, and the influence of international learning on their own journeys, especially in regard to environmental sustainability. We also recommend three practical ways to connect with international learning communities to expand their access to innovative solutions.