Do you have to be a leader to be a doctor?

[deleted647690]

I've realized through undergrad and participation in extracurricular stuff that I don't really fit the mold of a leader. I like having others tell me what to do. When put in a position where I have to act as a guide to others, I'm usually not comfortable in that I don't trust my abilities.

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[Goro]

Here's what the University of Utah SOM has to say on the subject:

Leadership
Leadership is defined as a position of responsibility for others, with a purpose to guide or direct others. Dedication, determination, ability to make decisions and a willingness to contribute to the welfare of others are indicators of one's ability to succeed in medicine. Individuals with these characteristics readily accept positions of leadership and are an asset to their community and profession. Leadership capacity can be demonstrated in a variety of ways. Positions in employment, church, the community, and school organizations including coaching, tutoring, and mentoring will satisfy this requirement.

• The minimum leadership requirement is one leadership experience lasting three months within the last four years.
• The average applicant has three different leadership experiences each lasting three months within the last four years.

Drexel doesn't use the word "leadership" on their admissions website, but lumps it into community service:

1. Service orientation/community service – a successful applicant will demonstrate significant commitment to community service so that applicants can gain a better understanding of a physician's role in a community and how that community may influence their patients. Examples of significant community service activities include, but are not limited to: tutoring or volunteering in a health care setting, shelter, or other organization. We recognize that students may have variable amounts of time due to other meaningful activities. These activities will be reviewed in the context of other time commitments.

U WA lists as "must have experiences: • Leadership = guiding others, being responsible, initiating change, working toward a common goal. Meaningful engagement with others Being inclusive and creating commitment. Helping others rise.

BTW here is a really useful source of what they look for. This is NOT unique to them:
http://www.uwmedicine.org/education/Documents/md-program/TheApplication-2016.pdf
I'm wondering how of you actually go to school admissions websites and check these things out.

Anyway, on the other hand, NYU, Wake Forest and Stony Brook say nothing!

I've realized through undergrad and participation in extracurricular stuff that I don't really fit the mold of a leader. I like having others tell me what to do. When put in a position where I have to act as a guide to others, I'm usually not comfortable in that I don't trust my abilities.

 

[deleted647690]

Here's what the University of Utah SOM has to say on the subject:

Leadership
Leadership is defined as a position of responsibility for others, with a purpose to guide or direct others. Dedication, determination, ability to make decisions and a willingness to contribute to the welfare of others are indicators of one's ability to succeed in medicine. Individuals with these characteristics readily accept positions of leadership and are an asset to their community and profession. Leadership capacity can be demonstrated in a variety of ways. Positions in employment, church, the community, and school organizations including coaching, tutoring, and mentoring will satisfy this requirement.

• The minimum leadership requirement is one leadership experience lasting three months within the last four years.
• The average applicant has three different leadership experiences each lasting three months within the last four years.

Drexel doesn't use the word "leadership" on their admissions website, but lumps it into community service:

1. Service orientation/community service – a successful applicant will demonstrate significant commitment to community service so that applicants can gain a better understanding of a physician's role in a community and how that community may influence their patients. Examples of significant community service activities include, but are not limited to: tutoring or volunteering in a health care setting, shelter, or other organization. We recognize that students may have variable amounts of time due to other meaningful activities. These activities will be reviewed in the context of other time commitments.

U WA lists as "must have experiences: • Leadership = guiding others, being responsible, initiating change, working toward a common goal. Meaningful engagement with others Being inclusive and creating commitment. Helping others rise.

BTW here is a really useful source of what they look for. This is NOT unique to them:
http://www.uwmedicine.org/education/Documents/md-program/TheApplication-2016.pdf
I'm wondering how of you actually go to school admissions websites and check these things out.

Anyway, on the other hand, NYU, Wake Forest and Stony Brook say nothing!

Thank you! I wasn't really asking as much what sorts of experiences I need for applications, but more about my ability to function as a physician

 

[mw18]

I've realized through undergrad and participation in extracurricular stuff that I don't really fit the mold of a leader. I like having others tell me what to do. When put in a position where I have to act as a guide to others, I'm usually not comfortable in that I don't trust my abilities.

I think, in most fields of medicine, you need to be a leader to be an effective physician. There are MANY ways to be an effective leader, and it can happen for many personality types. Have you been in many situations where you are the most qualified person to lead and shy away from it? If you're still young, that could factor in as well. But either way, it is something to kind of figure out before you pour a lot of money, time, and effort into something that makes you uncomfortable.

I don't want to speak on fields of medicine without direct patient care in ignorance, so maybe somebody in radiology (non-interventional) and pathology could speak to being a leader in being an effective physician.

 

[Matthew9Thirtyfive]

You need leadership qualities to function effectively as a physician. You will be the head of the healthcare team for the patient (except in a small number of specialties) and will need to effectively delegate to the rest of the team, as well as the patient. You can learn these skills through practice. It isn't something you have to be born with.

 

[LilKangaroo]

Simply, a physician the leader of a healthcare team. Also, leaders are good motivators, which is essential for getting patients to adhere to their treatment plans.

btw, even radiologists and pathologists lead teams (radiology techs and lab techs often have to confer with physicians).

You need to be able to make your own decisions and be comfortable with them at some point. If not, you should consider a different part healthcare or a different field altogether. But, this is something that can be learned. Leadership is, in fact, a skill.