During a recent trip to Capitol Hill, I had the opportunity to meet with about a dozen physicians who traded their white coats for seats in Congress. We spoke about the enormous challenges facing our health care system and how to tackle them. Despite the dysfunction of our political system, I left Washington energized and hopeful—just as I always do when physicians are the ones leading change.
My optimism is grounded in the fact that are now 26 medical professionals (including 21 physicians – 4 Senators and 17 Representatives serving Congress – more than ever before, with more stepping up to run.
Throughout my career, the most inspiring and transformational leaders and CEOs I’ve worked alongside have been physicians. Admittedly, as a physician myself, I bring some bias, but it’s more than that. The inner wiring of physicians – aptitude, resilience, commitment to patients, and a relentless work ethic – is foundational to great leadership. But they also bring something unique to leadership that others cannot replicate – the lived experience of the daily reality of caring for patients, collaborating with care teams, and navigating a system riddled with obstacles. This combination allows physicians to earn trust, influence effectively, and lead change with credibility and integrity. It’s why we see physicians driving transformation not just in hospitals, but across payers, non-profits, startups, and government.
Yet, physicians face steep hurdles on the leadership journey. The core skills of effective leadership—motivating teams, managing conflict, and communicating strategically—are not part of our medical training or career development. This gap helps explain why only 5% of hospital CEOs are physicians, and why the number has remained stubbornly low, even as the need for clinical leadership grows.
I believe the pathway to a better health care system runs through a stronger pipeline of physician leaders across every sector—payer, provider, government, and nonprofit. I’ve been fortunate to grow as a leader through diverse experiences, excellent mentors, and outstanding coaching. It’s why I am focusing my career on helping clinical leaders—both current and aspiring—overcome obstacles, achieve their goals, and maximize their impact.
My hope is that the momentum we see in Congress reflects a broader movement across health care: one where physicians take their rightful place at the table, shaping a system worthy of our family and friends and the patients we serve.
