Future of clinical leadership: the critical role of front-line doctors

Abstract

While people usually associate leadership with people with formal authority over organisations, front-line doctors play critical leadership roles today. We survey empirical studies in top management journals that speak to the role of front-line doctors in the implementation of service improvement initiatives. Front-line doctors can both drive and block change from within their organisations. In addition, doctors play critical roles in leading across professional groups, coordinating the input and work of different professionals. The leadership roles of front-line doctors can impact whether and how health systems improve and learn and how they perform. Harnessing the productive leadership potential of front-line doctors today is critical to creating a high-performing, sustainable healthcare system.