Empowering Central Ohio Physicians: The Physicians Leadership Academy
Right now, physicians face not only the challenges of providing high-quality patient care but also the demands of leadership roles within their organizations. Recognizing these challenges and the need for tailored leadership development, the Columbus Medical Association established the Physicians Leadership Academy (PLA) in response to insights collected from interviews with fifty central Ohio physicians back in 2012.
The foundational premise of the PLA arose from three clear insights drawn from interviews: physicians experienced pain, felt unheard in leadership capacities, and served as their patients' best advocates without adequate leadership training. These revelations underscored the necessity of empowering physicians with the skills and support to navigate both the clinical and administrative aspects of their profession effectively.
What sets the PLA apart from other leadership programs is its holistic nature, as emphasized by Dr. Stephanie Costa, the Co-Director of Physicians Leadership Academy.
“We really try to focus on building community amongst a group of like-minded physicians. But all those physicians come from a very diverse background, both in specialty age, gender, whether they are an M.D. or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine.”
The program incorporates a unique blend of wellness and leadership development, guiding participants to ground themselves in mindfulness practices while navigating the complexities of modern medicine. Through a carefully designed curriculum spanning ten months, the PLA fosters a sense of community among participants from diverse backgrounds and specialties, creating a supportive environment for growth and learning.
Dr. Costa says, "Once a physician enters the academy, we have a carefully designed curriculum that happens over ten months. And this not only helps to deepen an individual's sense of self, but it also helps them to develop more of a mindfulness-based self-awareness.”
The PLA curriculum focuses on three key elements essential for effective physician leadership:
Emotional Intelligence: Participants develop self-awareness and empathy, crucial for understanding and managing their emotions and those of others in high-pressure healthcare settings.
Social Intelligence: Physicians learn effective communication and collaboration skills, enabling them to navigate interpersonal relationships and work effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
Cognitive Capacity: The program equips participants with critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary for addressing complex challenges in healthcare delivery and organizational management.
Phil Cass, PhD, President of PLA, says the impact of the program extends beyond individual physicians to their practices, organizations, and the broader community.
“Alumni contribute to positive change within their respective healthcare systems, whether through political engagement, mentorship, or community outreach initiatives aimed at addressing healthcare disparities.” Dr. Cass mentioned.
Beyond the initial ten-month program, the PLA offers ongoing support and opportunities for alumni to further develop their leadership skills and stay connected with a vibrant network of peers and mentors.
“We have alumni activities that help the physicians who have gone through the academy stay connected to and still feel like they belong to something larger than themselves.” Dr. Costa explains.
For physicians intrigued by the prospect of personal and professional growth, the Physicians Leadership Academy offers a unique and robust leadership program tailored to the needs of modern healthcare professionals. The PLA is a program of empowerment for Central Ohio physicians, providing them with the tools, support, and inspiration to lead with purpose, resiliency, and compassion in an ever-changing healthcare environment.
To learn more about the curriculum, faculty, and listen to alumni testimonials, please visit physiciansleadershipacademy.org.