By Carmel J. Barrau, MD

During the recent launch of the 2023 South Florida Physician Leadership Academy (PLA), I had the opportunity to represent the Dade County Medical Association (DCMA) as we rallied participants around the importance of physician leadership in the community, industry, organized medicine and throughout the healthcare system.

There is a huge amount of evidence about the positive impact physicians can have when placed in leadership roles. The American College of Physician Executives (ACPE), the nation’s oldest and largest leadership education and career support organization for all types of physicians, champions the view that physicians are best suited to lead clinical efforts to achieve true patient-centered care. It is well-recognized that, at some level, all physicians are regarded by our society as leaders.

According to a survey by the Medical Group Management Association, there has been a 75 percent increase in the number of active physicians employed by hospitals since 2000. Physician leadership gives organizations “a competitive differential” and “a definite edge over a hospital that does not have it,” noted Rick Guarino, MD, vice president of medical affairs of Wilson Medical Center in Wilson, NC, (then senior vice president and chief medical officer of Nash Health Care in Rocky Mount, NC) in American Medical News.

One of my goals during my year as president of the DCMA is to encourage physicians to accept the challenge that leadership opportunities deliver. Either in their professional careers or as a volunteer in organized medicine, physicians have a key role in advocating for the best working environment and conditions to provide the best quality of services to patients.

Being a leader gives the opportunity to be an agent of change. “To be at the table as a distinguished guest, not on the table as part of the menu.” To be part of the solution, not part of the problem. Leadership provides an opportunity to participate in committees, councils and delegations that engage elected officials, public health officers, and other organizations. These are great opportunities for physicians to expand their influence and connections as well as drive reform in our healthcare system.

Physicians are the best advocates for healthcare improvement. That is the foundation of the South Florida Physician Leadership Academy. Through this course participants get the knowledge and skills to deal with challenges to care delivery. Leadership, Resiliency, Teamwork, Decision Making, and Ethics, are among the topics included in the course. I encourage all physicians to participate in this kind of initiative.

In order to drive change and reach our objectives it is necessary that physicians speak with one voice. The DCMA is happy to be the epicenter of this movement. I call upon my colleagues to reach out and see what change we can deliver together. Join us and be part of the DCMA www.miamimed.com.

Dr. Carmel J. Barrau is President, Dade County Medical Association, Inc.