Amid mounting clinical demands, many physician leaders have been compelled to make personal and professional sacrifices to retain their influence and effectively advocate for both their fellow physicians and the well-being of patients.
Michael Gomez, MD, NICU medical director of Orlando, Fla.-based Pediatrix Medical Group, told Becker's that while pursuing leadership positions and business education is "not for the faint of heart," sometimes the sacrifices are necessary.
For Dr. Gomez, this meant going back to graduate school to study healthcare administration.
"You must make sacrifices along the way. If you asked my family, they would confirm that I made significant sacrifices," he said. "There were times I could have spent with them, but I was in school or working late to participate in leadership roles."
But the lessons he learned were critical to his growth as a physician and as a leader.
"In medicine, we are often taught to be fiercely independent," he said. "I learned from nursing and hospital administration that effective teamwork is vital. Nurses excel at collaboration; they support each other and work together well. It's common to see nurses advance to CEO positions and other leadership roles. In contrast, physicians often lack the same camaraderie."
Physician leaders are often faced with two options, he said, either lead the team or be part of the team.
"If I aim to collect five Super Bowl rings, I don't mind whether I'm the MVP or the lineman. It's about the achievement," he said. "However, you must consider how far you are willing to go, the investment required, and the sacrifices you will ask of your family."
Additionally, balancing clinical responsibilities with additional school and leadership roles can be incredibly difficult.
One solution is to build a team, he said, allowing physicians to collaborate with others who may be more willing to take on responsibilities. There's power in a group, he added, and having a strong group of physicians can be more powerful than individuals, as they offer resilience and support for one another.
"A compromise is necessary," he said. "You must decide if this path is right for you."