All Physicians Lead: Redefining Physician Leadership for Better Patient Outcomes

by Leon E. Moores

Leadership is an integral part of what doctors do.

All physicians lead, not just those with “official” leadership titles, such as CMO or Chief of Surgery. If leadership can be defined as influencing thought and behavior to achieve desired results, then clearly it isn’t something physicians work toward only as a later-career goal. Leadership is a skillset physicians practice every day. Whether persuading a patient to stop smoking, a lab to return speedy results, or a surgical team to understand what needs to happen in the OR, physicians lead. Leadership is baked into the job.

In fact, we already look to physicians as leaders. We expect them to make critical healthcare decisions, inspire treatment teams, influence patients’ behaviors, communicate impeccably, and be exemplars of professional conduct. Few roles in society carry more built-in leadership expectations then that of physician.

And yet, most physicians receive little focused training in leadership. While clinical skills are drilled into every physician-in-training for years, leadership skills are left largely to chance. All Physicians Lead seeks to change that. Primarily aimed at physicians, it offers an intro course in physician-leadership, using a “concentric circles” As a physician, progressing from learning to lead yourself, to leading other individuals, to leading teams, and finally, to leading organizations, can improve healthcare team performance and patient outcomes. Fundamentally, self-awareness underpins every stage of leadership.

The book also speaks to those in charge of medical schools, healthcare organizations, and physicians’ professional associations, arguing that leadership should be considered a core competency throughout every doctor’s career and structured education in leadership fundamentals should begin the first day as a medical student. Better physician leadership results in higher-performing healthcare teams, improved patient satisfaction, and better health outcomes for patients.

Authored by a prominent neurosurgeon and seasoned healthcare leader who literally “wrote the book” on physician leadership for the U.S. Army, All Physicians Lead is more than a book title, it is a rallying cry for change.

Genres: Medical, Nonfiction

217 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 20, 2024

Reviews

[Nicole Fye · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a quick and easy read full of useful information presented in a scenario-based format. I appreciated the advice and examples of how to implement leadership techniques and skills at every level of medical training.

[Pgchuis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and this review was written by my husband, a physician who leads:

As a Physician Leader in the latter stages of his career, I was pleased to read and review this book. The premise is a good one, that all Physicians find themselves as leaders throughout their careers, either by default through their medical practice or by taking on administrative leadership roles in their in institutions of work. As the author points out quite correctly, leadership skills are something that can and should be taught early in a physician’s training. This therefore, is a book I wish I had read at medical school or shortly after graduating.

Aside from the military and surgical spin which runs through the book and proved mildly distracting (the author after all served in the armed forces), the content is well structured, first starting with the “Why” of physician leadership before introducing a neat visual of the concentric circles of leadership with “self”at the centre, expanding outwards to incorporate leading another, leading teams and then organizations. Towards the end, the author gives more practical strategies for physician leaders which nicely rounds out the book.

Although I found little new or enlightening content in the book personally, I am conscious that the book was not aimed at me, an experienced physician leader of many years. I imagine that a new medical school graduate or a physician suddenly thrust into a new leadership role would find many more “light bulb” moments here. This, along with the sound structure of the book’s content and the useful real-life scenario illustrations that start each chapter, pace the reader well through the content and makes for an overall enjoyable and informative read. I shall be recommending this book to the medical students I encounter in my workplace and not just the ones that are interested in leadership. Congratulations should go to the author Dr. Moores for writing a book that fills an important gap in medical student education and for writing a book which I wish I had read 30 years ago.

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr Moores comes to the topic of physician leadership through the military, an organization that is strongly focused on leadership development. Dr. Moores, a neurosurgeon, was instrumental in developing the leadership program at the Uniformed Services University for Health Sciences, the military medical school. He himself went through the formal military leadership training programs including, I believe, the War College. He is a worthy guide to this topic.

Dr Moores asserts that all physicians are, at some level, leaders, in that they are trying to influence others towards certain ends. At the most basic level, physicians try to influence patients, but it goes well beyond that. Physicians are, or should be, leaders of teams of professionals who are trying to maximize outcomes for individual patients. And later in their careers, physicians may be leaders of (or within) complex organizations that are working to maximize health but to also serve organizational goals. Dr Moores believes that physicians are, in general, unprepared for these roles and this book is an attempt to begin to address that challenge.

I have been looking for a book on physician leadership for a long time, and have been surprised that there are few, if any, to be found. The topics and guidance provided here are not particularly novel- anyone who has read in leadership literature will recognize nearly all of what is provided. The specific application to the areas in which physicians operate is very helpful. And most helpful of all is the recommendations for topics to be covered in a leadership development program for physicians.

The book is well-written and I would recommend it for anyone who is starting to explore the questions of physician leadership. I have no hesitations about the book and went back and forth on 5 stars vs 4, with my only downgrade being that there was not much novel in the content itself if one is familiar with the leadership literature. But, because this will introduce these concepts to an expanded audience, I think it's worth the higher rating.

[Píaras Cíonnaoíth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Redefining physician leadership for better healthcare...

Leon E. Moores' "All Physicians Lead" is a ground-breaking look at leadership in the medical profession. Moores questions the assumption that leadership is reserved for a chosen few, claiming that all physicians have intrinsic leadership traits that are crucial to improving patient outcomes. Moores uses a fascinating "concentric circles" paradigm to educate physicians through the path from self-leadership to organizational leadership, emphasizing the necessity of self-awareness at each stage. This book is not just a call to action for physicians to improve their leadership skills, but also a request that medical schools and healthcare organizations prioritize leadership training from the start of a physician's career. With its practical insights and convincing argument, "All Physicians Lead" has the potential to alter our understanding of medical leadership. Highly recommended.

[Steven Finkelstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

Physicians are almost always leaders by default. However, some of them do not take on that mantle as easily as others do. Some physicians only reluctantly wield their full powers as leaders in their workplace environments. This is a book that teaches them to be more accepting of their capabilities.

The target of this book is not just physicians, but also individuals in charge of health organizations, medical schools, and similar entities. Everyone in the medical profession who reads it should develop a much better understanding of not just what a physician’s role is, but what it should be in the modern medical landscape.

[Michelle Castaneda · Rating 5 out of 5]

All Physicians Lead: Redefining Physician Leadership for Better Patient Outcomes by Leon Moores is an interesting look at physician leadership. This book takes a look at how physicians can and should lead, taking specific cues from how this is done in the military. Physician leaders would benefit from this book, finding specific ideas for improving how they train other leaders. Interesting read overall. I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher with no obligations. These opinions are entirely my own.

[Cory · Rating 1 out of 5]

He says the same thing over and over again. He wrote a book when he should’ve written a journal article. Half of the citations in the book are of himself. He’s not citing any outside thinkers. He also never talks about how to lead. He just says that you should. Over, and over, and over. If you read the title of this book you know the beginning, the middle, and the end. The title catchphrase is as much as he has to offer.

[Krissy Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written with leadership points clearly outlined. I think the comparison to the military and their training is cohesively displayed. These points could be used all aspects of leadership training not just physicians. Advanced practice providers could benefit greatly from leadership discussion in a collaborative manor.

[Rocio · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moores' approach to medical leadership really struck a chord with me. I resonated with his opinion that many doctors are not adequately prepared to lead teams or even entire organizations in the healthcare field. "All Physicians Lead" is a read I recommend to those currently in a medical role, contemplating how to enhance physicians' preparation in the complex environment of healthcare.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Truly a great book to improve and create a better space for patients and doctors. The book is a request to prioritize training everyone's leadership in the medical field to create a safer and empowering space. The author shares his own experience being a neurosurgeon emphasizing effective communication and self awareness.

[Crystal · Rating 4 out of 5]

All Physicians Lead

The author took the leadership skills learned at West Point and implemented them in a physician setting. The book focuses on leadership qualities necessary to run a successful organization. There were clear examples and insights about how to build trust with others.

#GoodreadsGiveaways

[Francis Tapon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leon Moores is a distinguished vet who spend his military career in medicine.
The military trains leaders.
Medical schools do not.
He's trying to change that.
The change is already happening.

Whether you're premed or you have 20 years of experience, reading this book will be useful.

[Penguin]

After a short hiatus from reading, I finally came back to finish this ARC. As a nursing student, even though I am not a physician I found this book very insightful. I'd strongly recommend this book for anyone planning to go into healthcare or leadership

[Louise Borda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very insightful worthwhile read even if you can't bear the thought of reading another book on leadership. This book specifically targets the physician leader, and includes practical applicable strategies that the author has employed with measurable success.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book gives great examples to review and revisit on leadership. This was a Goodreads giveaway winner.

[Samantha Ohler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know several doctors and other medical professionals that would benefit from reading this book!

[Alyssa Barré · Rating 4 out of 5]

read for year long residency book club on leadership. Nothing super ground breaking and it was very redundant but it did facilitate great convo

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good I sent it to friends/colleagues!

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good leadership advice for everyone, including non-physicians. Leadership training should be built into more roles.
I received this book as a Goodreads Giveaway winner.

[Wendy Atterberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd recommend this book to anyone planning to go into healthcare.

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goodreads giveaway winner / free book review:

I am not a physician but I am prior service. I also will read just about anything. This has some great points that can be applied in a different context to all kinds of leadership and lead to better interactions with people as a whole.

Kindle e-book on IOS.
Used Spoken content accessibility tool with English Australian female voice Matilda Premium to listen to this book.

[Kenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Overall I absolutely recommend this book. As in other reviews, the reinforcement of the author’s military background does detract somewhat from the content.

However, I feel this should be required reading for anyone going into healthcare. As a healthcare professional, I have seen my fair share of MDs and DOs push their weight around, speak unprofessionally to their RNs, etc.

All providers, RNs, RTs, managers, contributors to healthcare from the top down should be leaders. After all, the author wants to create an environment that relies on the team to speak up for feedback, etc. That environment cannot work, even if it’s deemed ‘safe’, if the message and principles related here are not received by those who are leaders themselves.