The physician as organizational leader.

The physician manager is becoming more common. Given the need to bridge the gap between the business and the practice of medicine and given the transformations taking place in health care, physicians will likely play an increasingly important role as leaders in clinics, hospitals, HMOs, and other health care organizations. As yet, a job description for a "leader" remains elusive. However, understanding the framework described here may help build the proper foundation for successful physician leaders.