Methodist Launches Physician Academy

The Physician Leadership Academy, a new program to strengthen doctors’ leadership skills, is under way at Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare.
Classes started in September and are held for four hours once a month, except December. Topics include “Building a High Performance Culture,” “Facilitating Change as a Physician Leader” and “Effective Physician Leadership.”
Michael Ugwueke, COO of Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare, says his goal in opening the academy was to create the next generation of physicians who excel both as leaders and healers. When hospitals team up with physicians, he says, great things in healthcare can be accomplished. Ugwueke worked with the UT Center for Executive Education in Knoxville and the American College of Physician Executives in Tampa to develop the program.“We work closely with our physician partners, and the Physician Leadership Academy will allow us to strengthen that partnership,” he said. “As we expand our collaboration with our doctors, it will enhance our ability to provide the family and patient-centered care that we are committed to affording each and every patient and family.” 
The first class, consisting of 24 physicians, is scheduled to graduate in August. A new class will start in September. The program, conducted by Ugwueke, is by invitation only and is limited to doctors from Memphis and surrounding communities who are affiliated with Methodist. The doctors are recommended to Ugwueke by Methodist’s CEOs or another Methodist physician leader.In addition to the content that Ugwueke has developed, speakers come in to talk about topics such as “understanding your behavior and leadership style,” “building a high-performance culture” and “facilitating change as a physician leader.”“I have been serving as president of the medical staff for the past year, and thus I am very aware of the challenges that come with a leadership role,” said Heather Swanson, MD, a hospitalist with Methodist University Hospital.  “I am so thankful to Methodist and Michael Ugwueke for putting together a program to give me the tools I need to be a more effective leader.”