Patients look to physicians for their natural qualities as leaders in the exam room, and that influence can — and should — extend far beyond patient care.
As healthcare faces increasing complexity and rapid technological advancement, the role of physicians growing into organizational leaders is often seen as a vital step to ensure clinical expertise is helping to guide hospitals, health systems and medical groups through operational changes and strategic shifts.
While medical training emphasizes clinical expertise, leadership development often remains secondary. In this evolving era, physicians must be equipped with leadership skills to play a unique role in bridging care standards and administrative priorities, giving their dyad partners in the C-suite a dynamic partner.
Investing in physician leadership is also crucial for preparing the next generation of healthcare executives. As current senior leaders retire, developing physicians as future leaders will fill this gap, ensuring the healthcare system continues to advance, providing high-quality, cost-effective care in an ever-changing environment.
Jackson Physician Search (JPS) and Medical Group Management Association (MGMA) partnered in August 2024 to study this topic and bring forth findings around:
- Physician interest and motivations for pursuing leadership roles
- Organizational priorities and sentiment on the benefits of physician leadership
- The challenges and methods of identifying and recruiting physician leaders
- Opportunities for leadership training through a physician’s career
- Organizational standards to qualify for leadership roles
Online surveys, which took six minutes on average to complete, returned 324 applicable responses from physicians and administrators. Follow-up interviews and questionnaires rounded out the findings presented in this report.
Download the White Paper for More Insight Into Physician Leadership Development Challenges and Solutions.
JPS-MGMA-Physician-Leadership-Whitepaper-FINAL-10.2024
Lengthy physician recruitment timelines can significantly hinder practices that are unprepared or lack recruitment support. But no matter how long it takes to find that highly qualified clinician, the journey a physician takes in developing as a leader is much longer, and should begin in training and be supported through early-career work. This approach prepares them to assume an active role among the ranks of medical group, health system and hospital decision-makers.
Recognizing this necessity, many healthcare organizations have crafted effective leadership frameworks that yield tangible results and shape the next generation of physician executives. As healthcare leaders, it is essential to evaluate and adapt these programs to meet your organization’s unique needs. This ensures you have the right talent to confidently navigate the future.
Identifying potential physician leaders is a critical first step. Equally important is empowering these individuals to advance their leadership training and education, sustaining their growth and strengthening your leadership pipeline. Over time, these efforts become embedded in your organization’s culture, linking today’s expertise with tomorrow’s innovations.
By investing in the continuous development of physician executives, you not only fortify your organization but also contribute to the advancement of the entire healthcare system. Now is the time to cultivate the leaders who will drive excellence and innovation in the years to come.
For more information about how your healthcare organization can use the results of this survey to improve your physician leadership development program, as well as your physician executive recruitment and retention strategy, contact Jackson Physician Search today. Our team comprises healthcare industry professionals who have spent decades recruiting physicians, physician leaders, and advanced practice providers for healthcare organizations nationwide.
About Jackson Physician Search
Jackson Physician Search is an established industry leader in physician recruitment and pioneered the recruitment methodologies standard in the industry today. The firm specializes in the permanent recruitment of physicians, physician executives and advanced practice providers for hospitals, health systems, academic medical centers and medical groups across the United States. Headquartered in Alpharetta, Ga., the company is recognized for its track record of results built on client trust and transparency of processes and fees. Jackson Physician Search is part of the Jackson Healthcare® family of companies.
