Urgent Need for Empowering Future Doctors with Leadership Skills

Abstract Leadership skills are vital for a doctor to effectively play his key roles as defined in recently Revised Competency Based Medical Education Guidelines by National Medical Commission. As a professional in the healthcare system, doctors must possess leadership skills to efficiently deal with the complexities of the rapidly changing modern healthcare system. A doctor is supposed to lead a multidisciplinary team of medics and paramedics and make informed decisions for patient care. To perform his tasks leadership skills such as effective communication, emotional intelligence, quality assurance and team management are indispensable. These skills also empower doctors to manage resources effectively, resolve conflicts, and inspire and motivate his team to achieve the desired results. Appropriate leadership skills among doctors have been linked to improved patient outcomes, higher staff morale, and better organizational performance. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), leadership is a critical competency for doctors to address challenges related to the shortage of workforce, technological advancements, and the increasing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). This article proposes systematic incremental capacity building of doctors from undergraduate and postgraduate curriculum to entry and midlevel faculty positions. It proposes a methodology of individual focussed approach and on the job mentoring to successful groom future medical leaders to improve health of the population.