Leadership in Medicine

In 2007, Porter and Teisberg recognized improving value is the only real solution, and achieving it is up to physicians.3 Leadership is intimately tied to achieving a value-based system, as leadership significantly impacts quality of care and patient outcomes.4 Trastek et al suggest “by assuming a leadership role, healthcare providers can guide the healthcare system to improve not only value but sustainability as well.” 7 Additionally, recognizing the vital importance of leadership training for physicians, the National Health Service has developed and implemented the Medical Leadership Competency Framework throughout medical schools in the United Kingdom.6 The Netherlands has instituted a similar program known as the Framework of Medical Leadership.6 Given the importance of physician leadership to the long-term viability of our healthcare system, perhaps an assessment of leadership traits should be considered before matriculation into medical training. [...]leadership is lacking in physicians in spite of a tremendous amount of potential for it.