ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book is a practical guide for all physician leaders who want to be more effective and fulfilled in their work, and who want to make a positive difference by helping others be more effective and fulfilled in their work. It is also written for those whose current professional responsibilities neither optimize their abilities nor satisfy their yearnings. The book explains why, pointing out that clinical and administrative leadership are synergistic. In fact, only by leveraging the potential synergies of clinical leadership and administrative leadership can anyone hope to maximize patients' outcomes and professional incomes. The book contains a framework for considering various pathways that physician leaders may pursue and various types of contributions that physician leaders make. It includes brief biographical descriptions of the physician leaders who have so generously shared their stories and their words of wisdom.
