Physician Leaders Offer ‘Double-Edged Benefit,’ AAPL chief tells ‘Medscape’

Peter Angood, MD, talks to the web magazine about the increasing roles for physician administrators and routes to becoming one.

Physician leaders are in greater need by medical facilities following the implementation of the Affordable Care Act.

That’s according to Peter Angood, MD, president and CEO of the American Association for Physician Leadership®, who discusses the demand for physician administrators with the webzine Medscape.

“The Affordable Care Act has increased demand for health care delivery models that require a deep understanding of clinical care, and they often depend on physician leaders for help with implementation," Angood tells freelance reporter Leigh Page for the article, How to Kick Your Medical Career Up a Notch.

In Medscape’s 2017 survey of more than 19,000 physicians, 43 percent said they were seeking a promotion. The article cites incentives such as representing physicians’ concerns at the executive level, a potential for increased income, and the desire to enjoy work. Other doctors may want to lead an initiative to improve treatments or organizations.

"Hospitals are looking for physician leaders because they have a double-edged benefit,” Angood tells Medscape. “They have administrative skills, and they understand how the organization can provide better patient care.”

Angood adds that most health care systems on U.S. News & World Report ’s annual honor roll are led by physicians.

According to the article, many physicians opt to get an MBA or earn their Certified Physician Executive certificate, a credential offered by AAPL that reflects the skills essential to health care administration.

Click here to read the Medscape article .