Engaging Medical Students in Leadership Development

Abstract

Leadership development plays a critical role in preparing collaborative, systems-based physicians. Medical schools across the globe have dedicated significant effort towards programming for medical student leadership development. Students report a variety of existing leadership opportunities, ranging from formal didactics to leadership positions within the community. Students identify lack of time, funding, and the hierarchy of medicine as significant barriers for engaging in leadership opportunities. Students favor a formal leadership curriculum coupled with hands-on opportunities to practice leadership skills. In order to train medical students to be engaged physician leaders, it is imperative to foster practical opportunities for leadership development.