Abstract
Objective
Effective leadership in academic medicine requires a broad constellation of skills, experiences, and core values. The authors sought to describe and define these.
Method
The authors conducted a web-based survey among 132 Chairs of North American departments of psychiatry.
Results
Eighty-five Chairs (64%) responded to the survey, the majority of whom were first-time Chairs. Identified leadership attributes included strategic/visionary acumen, interpersonal communication skills, core administrative and academic/technical skills, motivational capacity, personal integrity, and altruism/tenacity.
Conclusion
The identified values are consistent with the leadership attributes that are described as necessary for success in the business community. Developing the required skillset among faculty who aspire to become a departmental Chair is an important commitment for Deans and extant psychiatry Chairs.
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Keith, S.J., Buckley, P.F. Leadership Experiences and Characteristics of Chairs of Academic Departments of Psychiatry. Acad Psychiatry 35, 118–121 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ap.35.2.118
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ap.35.2.118