Preparing to be a Medical School Leader

Young faculty members are interested primarily in teaching students, starting a research program, and, for the clinical faculty, delivering patient care. If academic medicine doesn’t work out, there are always other alternatives. Basic scientists can go to industry, and clinicians can always go into private practice. Few give any thought to medical school administration. Most young faculty members are poorly prepared for becoming a faculty member much less an academic administrator.

An interest in administration is acquired as one becomes successful in academic endeavors and gains more knowledge about the university hierarchy and leadership roles and responsibilities. Some people have a natural inclination to move to leadership positions. They were class presidents or team captains in high school or college. Others become frustrated with the current leadership, and they are convinced that they would be an improvement. Still others demonstrate leadership characteristics that cause a colleague to encourage them to prepare themselves for a leadership position.