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ANNOUNCEMENT

Physician

Leaders?

By Stephen C. Fitzer, BCMS Executive Director

Leadership is one of those things where people say “I know it sumed a position that required them to step-up to lead, or maybe
when I see it!” Folks make that statement because while they are people follow them just because they have lots of money (a new
willing to follow some people and not follow others, they may not take on “follow the money.”)
be able to explain why. Generally, a leader is someone who others So, what does all this mean to you? Most of our readers are
are willing to follow because they seem to know where they are physicians and members of the Bexar County Medical Society.
going and they have convinced others that following them is the Physician medical school training is almost entirely about medi-
right thing to do because something worthwhile will be accom- cine and offers very little training in business or leadership. If
plished by following that leader, there is something in it for the fol- you accept the premise that there are many kinds of leaders and
lower personally, or it will be a fun ride. that physicians can learn the art of leadership, BCMS is setting
Some leaders are almost universally accepted as examples of how out to help you become a better leader.
it’s done. Examples of leaders that everyone usually agrees were BCMS will soon announce ongoing seminars and presentations to
great were the likes of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson or promote basic leadership among physicians. The leadership training
Abraham Lincoln. Great soldiers are often thought of as great lead- will be taught by a variety of business and academic leaders mostly
ers, people like General George Patton or Joan of Arc (France). from within our community, but also from outside of our community
Great coaches are often viewed as great leaders (think John (Luke 4:24 – “No prophet is accepted in his own country” and “The
Wooden, the great UCLA basketball coach). Jack Welch of GE was definition of an expert is someone from out of town.”)
considered the greatest business leader in the country in his day. But Dr. Sheldon Gross, the 2018 elected BCMS President, has set a
leaders exist at every level of our society, even if they are not fa- priority of helping physicians to lead. The Bexar County Medical
mous. Yes, even in the physician ranks. Society wants our physician members to be leaders in their practices,
Sometimes we see leaders that motivate only certain con- in the community, in a hospital setting, and within organized med-
stituencies, but who fail to motivate or are even despised by other icine. Receiving training is definitely a lot more rational approach
than their own constituency. In the field of politics, a great leader than making costly mistakes (however, if you are perfect, you are
for one party is often rejected by the opposing party. In that case, permitted to throw a stone here). If your practice environment is
are they really a leader? A reasonable person would have to say not as successful as you would like it to be, here is an opportunity
yes to that question, even when another group disagrees. The to analyze, learn and implement leadership-proven techniques.
same is true in business; one company CEO may be despised by Please read the San Antonio Medicine magazine, The Weekly Dose
the competition while at the same time is viewed as a great leader newsletter and emails we will send for further information about
by his/her own employees. this leadership initiative.
My point in this is that there are all kinds of leaders. Some appear
to be truly born with it or are just gifted. However, many leaders “LEAD, FOLLOW OR GET OUT OF THE WAY” As my
that were not born with it probably acquired the skills through great grandfather used to tell me.
mentoring. Maybe they landed in fortunate circumstances or as-

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