Diverse opportunities for physicians include both traditional and cutting-edge situations. The newest opportunities for physician executives are in information systems, whether for a data management company or as director of information systems at a health care organization, putting information technology at the service of medicine to make better diagnoses and treatment possible. Managing people is an art, involving both learned skills and good natural instincts. An executive must be able to relate well to a wide range of people. Good communication requires strong listening, speaking and writing skills.
Effective communication can achieve the consensus sought in most health care organizations.
A solid understanding of the financial implications of issues is essential for physicians in management. Success is measured by whether an organization's books are balanced and its overall financial picture is healthy. An executive must have a global perspective on issues and an increasingly sophisticated understanding of population-based health care. Openness to new concepts for health care delivery is vital. An executive must listen to many points of view to formulate a planning strategy.