Formal leadership training for orthopedic surgeons: Limited opportunities amongst growing demand

Abstract

Leadership skills are important to all orthopedic surgeons, regardless of practice or location, as interactions with patients, staff, and other physicians necessitate professionalism and leadership. Leadership skills are best developed through formal training and experiential opportunities. Several programs emphasizing leadership skills for orthopedic surgeons exist; however, the number of programs is not adequate to meet the demand. It is difficult for orthopedic surgeons to take advantage of these opportunities, given clinical and professional responsibilities. To appropriately adapt to the changing healthcare environment and ensure advancement of the orthopedic field, formal leadership skills development should be widely integrated into orthopedic training.