Policy and procedure development and implementation.

A basic medical director function is to help draft and implement policies and procedures. Physicians should not underestimate the knowledge and skills involved in doing it well. Instead of viewing this role as merely unpleasant paper work, they should look beneath the surface for the much broader implications. Effective medical directors must be astute problem solvers and and analysts of attitudes, systems, and processes. The vital role of effective processes in helping apply knowledge effectively and improve outcomes deserves much greater recognition and study.