Leadership

James W. Fleshman, MD, FACS, FASCRS

The idea of training surgeons to be leaders is not new. The leadership educational effort provided by the American College of Surgeons is outstanding and provides some excellent hands-on training and an opportunity to network with surgeons in the Annual Leadership Conference in Washington, DC. However, on a local level, it is helpful to have a short reference available to help the practicing surgeon or resident in training to identify techniques or concepts that will immediately address a particular situation. As we emphasize professionalism and emotional intelligence in our training programs, the practical application becomes the development of leadership skills. The surgeon has a different set of venues from most physicians where leadership, self-awareness and self-management, empathy, and social management become essential. We have tried to address each of these within the confines of leadership training from several different points of view, including residency, psychology, education, operating room teams, and administrative positions. The skills needed for leadership, when fully embraced by faculty and residents, should replace the need for “management.” I hope that this group of short essays will also be of help in the daily approach to patient care and team function.

The authors want to thank Dr. Steele for the opportunity to submit this issue of the Clinics in Colon and Rectal Surgery and look forward to its use as a practical reference.