Tips for leaders, Part II: Leading a private practice physician group.

Leaders of private practice groups face many challenges. Establishing proper governance, having a good mission statement and business plan, having good participation by the members in administrative practice activities, and establishing proper channels of communication are some important steps. Once that is done, efficient decision making can be done regarding issues of finance, operations, keeping existing business, and finding new opportunities. Who is chosen to be the leader of such a group is less dependent on their field of specialization, but more dependent on their leadership skills. Nuclear medicine physicians interested in the future of their group and field should seek opportunities to learn leadership skills by experience and education.