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Whitepaper: Developing Tomorrow’s Physician Leaders from the Exam Room to the Boardroom

By: LocumTenens.com | Updated on October 15, 2024

Whitepaper: Developing Tomorrow’s Physician Leaders from the Exam Room to the Boardroom

As unprecedented changes confront the healthcare industry—from clinician shortages and high salary demands to growing patient needs—the need for strong, clinically-minded leadership in healthcare organizations has never been greater. Investing in physician leadership is essential for sustaining high-quality, patient-centered care in the face of these challenges.

A new whitepaper co-authored by Jackson Physician Search and MGMA, Developing the Next Generation of Physician Executives, sheds light on the importance of developing physicians into leaders within their organizations. This research examines how healthcare organizations can actively provide support to physicians as they step into executive roles, offering insights into the hurdles, motivators, and opportunities along the way.

Key Findings from the Whitepaper

According to the report, many physicians express interest in stepping into taking on leadership responsibilities. They are motivated by a desire to make a meaningful impact on their organizations and communities, as well as to advance their profession. However, this research reveals significant gaps in the training and development of physician leaders, delaying or preventing their readiness to assume executive positions.

The study found that about 65% of healthcare organizations lack formal programs for physician leadership development. Without structured training, physicians are often unprepared for the operational complexities that come with leadership roles. Many healthcare organizations also face challenges in recruiting qualified physician leaders, with over 60% of respondents reporting difficulty in finding candidates for these leadership roles.

Addressing the Leadership Training Gap

To overcome these setbacks, healthcare organizations are increasingly emphasizing the importance of advanced non-clinical degrees, such as MBAs or MHAs, as well as specialized certifications like the Certified Physician Executive (CPE). Higher bars for leadership training lead to stronger leadership development programs, enhancing recruitment efforts and improving retention through a culture that supports professional growth.

Download the Whitepaper for the Full Picture

Investing in physician leadership will be a core strategy for the future of healthcare. Nurturing physicians who can navigate the complexities of healthcare from a clinical and administrative perspective opens a sustainable pathway to success amidst a backdrop of high competition and industry-wide labor shortage. 

To read all the data-based findings from this research and learn how your organization can support the development of physician leaders, access the whitepaper by Jackson Physician Search and MGMA today