Developing leaders among your faculty members

Abstract

Background: Complexities in medical care delivery and an increasing focus on value in health care has spotlighted the need to develop physician leaders within healthcare organizations. Academic medical centers and their faculty are uniquely situated to further the healthcare industry through teaching of medical students and residents, introducing research and technology, and providing the body of knowledge that is the framework within which medicine is practiced. Methods: Through in-depth literature review, pertinent information about the role of faculty leaders and the methods to develop them will be presented. Results: Literature suggests that health care organizations with physician leaders provide higher quality care and that academic productivity can be enhanced by leadership development among faculty. Various processes of physician leadership development exist, including the simple mentor-mentee relationship, a less formal facilitated small group format, and a more formalized leadership development course. There is no research literature to suggest the superiority of one method over another to develop faculty members. Conclusions: It is important that healthcare organizations consider the role of physician leaders in their strategic planning to provide quality, high-valued care while maintaining the goals of academic leadership and performance. The following core competencies are addressed in this article: Interpersonal skills and communication, Practice based learning and improvement, Professionalism, Systems based practice.