Transition of the Physician Leadership with AI: Case Analyses of AI Implementation in Clinical Practice

Worldwide emergence of generative artificial intelligence (AI) into healthcare systems has led to increasing needs in the potential roles of AI-powered physicians. As AI demonstrates appropriate and objective capabilities of making decision, the leadership required to physician must be redefined. This study focused on identification and proposals of effective leadership models for physicians in the AI field. With three-phase research design, the first study investigates the current adoption and technological development of AI in the medical field. Second, a comprehensive review of prior studies on physician leadership is conducted to classify relevant leadership frameworks. Based on this analysis, transformational and servant leadership are acknowledged as key models appropriate to the evolving healthcare context. Finally, case studies of healthcare institutions implementing AI are conducted to assess how these leadership models operate in practice. The results suggest that transformational leadership is essentially required for implementation of innovation and management changes, while servant leadership plays a critical role in preserving patient-centered care in AI-enhanced clinical environments. This study offers several suggestions: (1) physicians must facilitate their leadership competencies to navigate the profound shifts in professional roles caused by AI; (2) a transition from traditional leadership to more adaptive and empathetic models is required, particularly transformational and servant leadership; and (3) governments should commit leadership education and support systems as part of national healthcare strategies to prepare for AI-driven transformation. These insights provide a foundation for reimagining physician leadership in the future of medicine.