ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses a few of the practical aspects of medical leadership, which doctors can all learn. Great medical leaders are great public speakers who resonate with diverse audiences and facilitate attitudinal changes. Many doctors are nervous about public speaking, but this is a skill their all can learn. Medical leaders need to develop their skills and knowledge, including formal leadership training, public speaking, medical writing and working with the media. Like public speaking, medical writing takes practice, and generic writing courses can help. However, doctors often become writers by default through their advocacy on issues and their use of powerful patient stories. Many doctors feel anxious about being interviewed by the media and concerned that their words will be taken out of context or that they will be made to look unprofessional. Formal media training can help doctors avoid media traps and work effectively with the media to advocate on important issues.
