How to elevate your health-care leadership skills

An accomplished colleague recommended the program to me, but I had imposter thoughts and wondered if I was good enough for it. Thankfully, I took his advice and ultimately learned through the program that I am more than enough just as I am and as I learn. 

My favourite part was how incredibly connected, supportive and enjoyable the experience was with 29 other physicians. I left with lifelong friendships, mentors, confidants and a team of fellow leaders around me that continue to support and encourage me. 

The program taught me not to be afraid to ask for help and that I always have options. Whether I’m thrust into a situation or planning it out, I learned to take a step back first and be mindful of what my alternatives are so that I’m prepared for whatever possibilities come my way. 

I consider the program the gift that keeps on giving. The more invested and engaged you are, the more you’re going to get out of it.

As physicians, we are trained to make clinical decisions but very little of our education prepares us to lead teams, influence organizations or navigate change. I wanted to become a more effective leader, not only for my patients but also for my colleagues and the health-care system. 

I think the biggest surprise was the calibre of the people in the room. I didn’t expect to build such meaningful relationships with physician leaders across Ontario. The connections have continued well beyond the program and have become an invaluable professional network for me. I was equally impressed by the faculty. They were outstanding educators and accomplished leaders who brought real-world experience into every discussion we had.  

I think it’s one of the best investments a physician can make in their career and it opened doors that I never imagined. 

I loved the program so much that I even signed up for the Global Executive MBA at Rotman.

The program helped me become more assertive. It really asks you to look inward and ask, ‘What do I think of myself?’ I learned that I am a good leader and that I have the capacity to create more impact than I may give myself credit for. 

What surprised me most about this program was the depth and breadth of the topics covered, and what I learned about the health-care system. It was nice to dig deep into how health-care systems work because I’d never taken a class on that.  

My advice for anyone interested would be: don’t hesitate. Just do it. Especially if you’re considering a leadership role or if you’re already in one.

I had a healthy dose of imposter syndrome before joining the program and I think most physicians have that. But for Indigenous physicians specifically, that can be hard to overcome, because I’ve been told, ‘You don’t deserve to be in medical school. You took a spot from somebody who earned it. You’re not here because of merit.’ But now, because of the program, I have less of that feeling.  

As physicians we’re kind of thrown into leadership without any real formal training. This course let me focus on my strengths and how I can use that going forward. 

My classmates came from different specialties and regions in Ontario, and we were all there to support each other. When you’re in leadership positions, it tends to be a little isolating, but having access to other people who are in similar positions is wonderful. 

For anyone considering the program, I just say go for it. It doesn’t matter what stage you’re at or what specialty you’re in. There’s so much to learn and it was fun!