Why Internal Medicine is Great Preparation for Leadership

Presentation Description / Summary: There are so many internists in administration that it is worth considering why internal medicine is fertile ground for developing leaders and why the skills used to become a successful internist are transferrable to administration. Perhaps this is the ability to consider multiple perspectives as differential diagnosis lists are developed, the team-based approach to internal medicine, the patience required to wait for medical treatments to take effect, or the just the knowledge that like some of the diseases we treat, there are problems in administration that are complex and near impossible to resolve. In this panel discussion, we will consider this question and hear from internists who have taken on different leadership roles. We will also discuss leadership development and how residents, internists, and practitioners can start developing the skills needed to assume leadership roles in veterinary colleges, practices, or professional organizations like the ACVIM.

Learner Outcomes: By the end of this session, attendees will be able to:
1. Identify the attributes and skills of internists that are transferrable to leadership and administrative roles.
2. Compare and contrast different leadership roles presented by panel members
3. Explain to early-career colleagues how the ways of working they adopt now can prepare them for leadership roles in the future.