Physicians’ presence in leadership roles at hospitals and health systems has declined in recent years amid increased administrative burdens, burnout and other job pressures. Yet despite this decline, physicians still believe there is a place for them and their unique perspective among leadership ranks.
Four physicians joined Becker’s to share what they believe physician leadership should look like in 2025.
Editor’s note: Responses have been lightly edited for clarity and length.
Kenneth Elconin MD. Orthopedic Surgeon at Orthopedic Surgery Medical Group (Los Angeles): Regarding physician leadership in 2025, I believe we need young individuals who are familiar with AI, and are willing to devote their time and energy to preserving the medical profession. Doctors now are just providers of medical care along with physician assistants and nurse practitioners and who knows who else. We have to protect doctors and provide the important leadership that we deserve.
Mark Goldberger, MD. Cardiologist at Maimonides Cardiology (New York City): Traditionally, medical school leadership were individuals who rose through the ranks of academic medicine. Leadership in 2025 requires individuals who are skilled in managing health care institutions and have expertise in non-medical areas such as management, IT, AI, public policy, etc.
Sean Higginson, MD. Chief of Radiology at Augusta Medical Group (Fishersville, Va.): U.S. healthcare desperately needs more experienced physician leaders. Most practicing physicians are tasked with basic leadership responsibilities, even if they don’t realize it. They are managing staff, nurses, [advanced practice providers] every day, so they get some hands-on training in their job. The best physician leaders are ones that not only have expertise managing their own domain, but can break out of their silo and effectively anticipate the perspectives of the other stakeholders in a health system. If I walk into a meeting with a firm understanding of the needs of the C-suite in my health system and how all the puzzle pieces fit together, it makes it easier to figure out global solutions that are a win-win.
Brian Neal, MD. Attending Physician of Huntington Hospital and South Shore Emergency Department of Northwell Health (Huntington, N.Y.): Physician leadership must always begin with the patient at its core. The fundamentals of medicine remain constant: the patient provides the majority of the diagnostic information, and the physician’s role is to lead the healthcare team efficiently toward an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment plan. Effective leadership entails fostering cohesion and respect among all members involved in patient care — nurses, technicians, radiologists, consultants and fellow physicians — working collaboratively at the bedside. Anchoring leadership in these core principles of medicine allows physicians to focus on what truly matters, despite the growing administrative burdens, staffing challenges and the increasingly complex medico-legal environment. By centering leadership on patient care and team collaboration, physicians can navigate and transcend these external pressures.
