A Mixed-Methods Evaluation of the Emerging Role of Access Medical Director in U.S. Health Systems

The access medical director role in the ambulatory setting is emerging in health systems. Characteristics of the role include collaborative, patient-centered, systems thinker, and technical proficiency in data and qualitative skills; however, training opportunities are limited. This study aimed to create an evidence-and expertise-informed framework to identify elements of the emerging clinician leadership role in ambulatory access in U.S. health systems and to identify the prevalence of clinician leaders assigned to the leadership role in ambulatory access in U.S. health systems.