David R. Kirschman
January 06, 2010

The following are the opinions of physicians currently serving in Chief Medical
Officer roles in health care delivery organizations regarding their careers as
physician executives, and what it takes to be successful.  This information was
gleaned from the responses to our 2009 Chief Medical Officer Compensation Survey.

On Deciding to Become a Physician Executive . . .
Why did they transition from clinical to management?  When did they begin to
consider such a move?  How did they prepare for the transition?  Was it a good
move for them?

Why?
	51%	Made the move to have a greater impact, make a difference
	24%	Were seeking new professional challenges
	        Although some respondents had been unhappy with clinical 
        activities, most were not and they did not make this career transition 
        because of dissatisfaction with their professional duties as physicians.

When?
	53%	Made the move after ten years or more of practice
	32%	Changed career path after only a few years of clinical practice
                Chief Medical Officers in managed care organizations tended to 
        have made the decision earlier in their careers.  Few respondents in
        any organization made the decision as a retirement strategy.

How?
	58%	Report that on the job training was the most important 
                preparation
        25%	Think that an advanced management was the most important
                preparation 
                Even though over 50% of CMOs possess a management degree, their
        most important preparation was actually working in a leadership 
        position, which was likely in a volunteer capacity.

And So?
        71%	Say becoming a physician executive was the best decision they
                have ever made in their careers
                None of the respondents felt that the move to management was a 
        bad decision, nor apparently regretted the move.

On Functioning as a Chief Medical Officer . . .
Advice to colleagues, value of using mentors, good parts of the job, bad parts
of the job, how they like their current positions 

Advice?
        77%	Advise other interested physicians to begin serving in
                management or leadership roles while maintaining clinical
                activities.
                An advanced management degree was rarely chosen as a first
         priority for aspiring physician executives.

Mentoring?
	50%	Had no mentor when they began as a physician executive
	60%	Think that having a mentor is a positive situation
                Chief Medical Officers in group practice were more likely to 
        have and appreciate a mentor.

Positives?
	63%	Say the best part of the job is having a positive impact on
                quality
                Another positive aspect of the position cited was a sense of
        accomplishment as a result of their work.

Negatives?
        47%	Think that the worst part of the job is the slow pace of 
                bureaucracy, and the delays. 
	        Also cited as a negative is too many meetings.

And So?
	87%	Like their current jobs considerably
	85%	Feel they have a positive impact on their organizations
                These physicians enjoy their jobs as chief medical officers and
        feel they truly make a difference, which was a goal of many when they originally decided to make a career change.

On Personal Styles as Managers . . .
How they work, what skills are most important, what characteristics are most
important for success

Style?
	42%	Are always working, and describe themselves as hard-chargers
	30%	See themselves as more medium-intensity managers
                Only a few of the respondents reported that they were “low key”
        type managers.

Skills?
        57%	Feel communications and effective listening are the most 
                important skills a chief medical officer can possess
	        Another common response was their ability as problem solvers.

Trust?
	72%	Feel that they are trusted by constituents and possess integrity

On Their Future . . .
Perceived biggest professional challenge, career goals

Challenge?
        40%	See change and growth as their biggest challenge over the next 
                year in their current jobs
		Financial issues were also mentioned, but to a lesser degree

Goals?
	70%	Hope to continue in a CMO role, either locally or elsewhere
	30%	Would like to become a chief operating officer or CEO.

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