Student Leadership in Medical School and Its Implications for Health Care and Policy-Making

BACKGROUND: Approximately 5% of hospital chief executive officers are physicians, and that number is growing. Leadership is a vital skill for future physicians. METHODS: We conducted a narrative review of the literature on student leadership in medical school and its implications for health care and policy-making. RESULTS: Qualities a good leader should possess include accountability, empathy, positivity, teamwork, and organization. Leadership skills need to be taught to students in their formative pre-clinical years so they can build upon this foundation during their clinical and residency years. Leadership is a multifaceted quality because unlike other lessons, it cannot be measured on a scale or under the microscope; it is largely developed through practice. Furthermore, among physicians, psychiatrists are especially well-trained to serve in active leadership roles because psychiatry training emphasizes interpersonal dynamics and emotional intelligence, qualities that are vital to the skill set of an effective leader. CONCLUSIONS: Medical leadership is essential because physicians relate best to other physicians, and those adept in administrative skills can help bridge the gap between administration and clinicians. There is a need for teaching an evidence-based leadership curriculum and training techniques that will fill a recognized educational void in medical student education (as well as for residents and junior faculty).