ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book describes medical leadership was partially triggered by Lord Darzi's review of the health system culminating in the publication of High Quality Care for All in 2008. It introduces the topic of medical leadership. Medical leadership is a particular focus within the National Health Service (NHS) currently and for the foreseeable future. At the time of publication, less than 5% of chief executives in the NHS are from medical backgrounds. The set of leadership competences for doctors embodied in the joint NHS Institute for Innovation and Improvement and Academy of Medical Royal Colleges Medical Leadership Competency Framework can equally apply to all clinical professionals. The book describes in detail the Medical Leadership Competency Framework which applies to all doctors at all levels in their practitioner roles.
