Leadership in Medicine

[Jerax]

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What exactly constitutes a leader in medicine, particularly among physicians? Has it got to do more with having amazing social/people/management skills (which may be picked up through some formal training programme) to help run a department? Or has it got to do more with being able to appraise and intepret the primary literature well, and translating findings into effective clinical practice? Would love to hear some input, especially from those currently in medical school/practice. Thanks!

Context: often see clinician-administrators and clinician-scientists similarly addressed as leaders in medicine, both in the news and at academic conferences

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[IlDestriero]

Administration means business skills. Often, sadly, administrators are selected for other reasons than good business skills, or the opposite- ALL about the business of Medicine.
Scientific leadership relates to being a leading researcher on the topic or in the field, holding leadership positions in societies, research foundations, etc.
if you want to be an administrator or department head you would benefit from at least some business skills acquired somewhere, and time to climb the ranks.
Scientific leadership is earned through your research effort. But you need some luck and flexibility there. 10-15 years ago anesthesia departments and foundations were investing a fortune on looking at the affects of anesthesia on the developing brain, however, for the most part, that research didn’t have any clinical significance. So if you were on the leading edge, you got easy grants, lots of time, lecture circuit cred, etc. If you were on the tail end, you got nothing. Both are refocusing their research interests now.


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Il Destriero

 

[siliso]

Mostly it’s willingness to show up at the places where decisions get made. The world is run by the people who show up (at meetings, horrible horrible meetings).

 

[IgEdoc]

Much of the skills in leading a department are already instilled through your training as a physician. Then, experience becomes key as that adds understanding of the workings and needs to run your department efficiently. Though many leadership training programs are offered at my medical center for new leaders, the secret for me as chief of my department is just being nice to the people under me, listen to them for advice, and be observant on what works and what doesn’t - it’s the “we” and “win-win” motto...whatever. And yes, meetings suck!