How to build a career in physician leadership — key thoughts from Dr. Mohammad Agha

Columbia, Missouri-based MU Health Care's Mohammad Agha, MD, spoke to Becker's ASC Review about how physicians can get started in leadership positions.

Dr. Agha will be speaking at the Becker's 16th Annual Future of Spine + The Spine, Orthopedic and Pain Management-Driven ASC Conference. To learn more and register, click here. Contact Maura Jodoin at mjodoin@beckershealthcare.com or Kristelle Khazzaka at Kkhazzaka@beckershealthcare.com for further information about sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities.

Question: With your expertise in physician leadership, what would you say to a young physician looking to get involved in leadership?

Mohammad Agha: For young physicians looking to get involved, I’d recommend reaching out to their department chair/division director, CMO and/or chief quality officer. There’s always different projects going on and everyone is looking for help.  You’ll also get exposure to a lot of leaders in your organization you wouldn’t otherwise have contact with who can open doors for you down the line.

Q: Once established in physician leadership, how do you continue to expand your leadership reach?

MA: Continued growth and expanding your leadership reach comes down to educating yourself in healthcare administration and networking. Not everyone has to get an MHA (my recommendation) or MBA, though these degrees give you the tools and skills to work at a higher level in your hospital/health system.

Networking also helps quite a bit as you can streamline your growth with mentorship. I’ve gained mentorship because of reaching out to others (including outside of my geographical region) and have experienced a lot of growth thanks to them.

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