NEJM: Physician Executive Career Options Abound

There's an article in the NEJM Career Center titled, "Physician Executive Career Options Abound."

This article highlights some of the "demand for health care leaders with clinical experience and the desire to facilitate systemic change." The author starts by summarizing comments from Barry Silbaugh, MD, former CEO of the of the American College of Physician Executives (ACPE).

Here's the bottom line:

• Management roles are increasing in the health care industry because of health care reform, health IT integration, need for value-based care, evolving care models like ACOs and PCMH, etc.
• Career paths in medical management can be very diverse. 
• Physicians from almost any specialty can find a role in medical management.
• Having formal education in management is very beneficial (but not necessarily essential, as long as you can demonstrate competency in areas like accounting, finance, organizational development, etc.).
• A career in medical management is not for everyone. So, make sure you know what you're getting yourself into.

Interested in a career in medical management? I'd strongly recommend the American College of Physicians Executives (ACPE) as a professional resource and membership organization: www.acpe.org