No longer a solo practice: how physician leaders lead.

The authors conducted a national study to determine the factors associated with the success of physician leaders. They utilized the Leadership Practices Inventory (LPI) and a demographic survey followed by individual interviews with respondents. Data analysis revealed several implications for the selection, training, management, and career development of physician leaders. The results suggest that: Physician leadership training should have a strong focus on the "human side" of management, including negotiation, organizational "politics," conflict resolution, team building, and motivation. Data management and finance should be a focus represented in the curriculum. Mentoring relationships should be developed as an aspiring physician leader pursues a career shift. Self assessment, including an analysis of style, strengths, best potential organizational fit, and specific areas of strength and weakness should be an integral part of the development of an aspiring physician leader. Screening mechanisms to ascertain a physician's motivation to move toward a full-time leadership role should be developed to ensure appropriate intent. To facilitate this implication, more effective assessment tools need to be developed.