The challenges of medical leadership

A number of challenges face a doctor who choses to lead in his or her organisation. At a practical level is the challenge of reconciling caring for an individual patient and leading in a micro-system that provides care for many patients and a wider population.

This challenge is often compounded by a lack of institutional value placed on medical leadership and the fact that many doctors lack the skills and training necessary to take on a leadership role. Despite these challenges, getting doctors to lead is an essential component of running an effective health care organisation.

Other videos in this series on medical leadership

• The history of medical leadership
• The origins of physician disengagement