LEADERS IN MEDICINE
Developing Physician Leadership … or Are We Already There ?
by PATRICIA PURCELL , MD
Leadership has many definitions which can be individualized to each distinct type of leader . Many question if leaders are born , or are leaders developed ? Or is it a combination ? In my leadership trajectory , it was a combination with emphasis on the development of necessary skills and traits : living the values one espouses , believing in the value of the greater good , speaking with integrity and keeping commitments with subsequent follow through . These are all traits and skill sets that are abundant in physicians .
As a general pediatrician , the development of leadership traits was augmented by the advocacy that is imperative in the care of children . Discussing with parents the importance of safe sleep , car safety , healthy eating habits as well as being active ; the advocacy goals were limitless . At first , I spoke to parents in my office setting and then progressed to speaking to parent and physician groups throughout the community .
This led to my involvement in the Kentucky Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics ( AAP ) navigating the positions of Treasurer , Secretary , Vice President and subsequently President . This was quickly followed by my participation on the national level with being elected to the National AAP Vice-Chairmanship for District IV . At the same time , I was a partner in a busy private practice , which also offered opportunities to develop additional leadership skills such as responsibility , management and communication . Working with staff and partners , and learning to understand the business side , helped me with financial and group leadership . I was fortunate to have mentors who challenged me by recognizing my advocacy-led motivation , which could be utilized as a tool for leadership development .
At the same time , I wanted to advocate for all physicians in the Louisville community . I became involved in the Greater Louisville Medical Society trajectory of officers ’ positions and currently act as President-Elect for GLMS , becoming President in June 2023 . I am excited to be working with GLMS physicians in their leadership roles that they have developed in our community .
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