MEDS2041: Leadership in Clinical Medicine
Why take this course?
Healthcare isn’t just about science—it’s also about leadership. Physicians and healthcare professionals often find themselves leading hospitals, clinics, research centers, and professional organizations. Yet, leadership training is rarely emphasized in traditional medical education.
In this course, students will:
Learn how strategic vision, transparency, and core values shape effective leadership.
Explore how strong leadership fosters resilience, culture, and shared accomplishment in healthcare organizations.
Develop skills essential for becoming a healthcare leader—whether as a physician, provider, or administrator.
Gain insights from cross-disciplinary perspectives supported by the College of Medicine, the Warren Bennis Leadership Institute, and the Organizational Leadership Program.
This seminar is ideal for students interested in healthcare administration, offering practical leadership preparation that complements biomedical training.
To educate and train the physicians, scientists, and health professionals of tomorrow…
UC College of Medicine Goal
Description
Leadership in Clinical Medicine introduces the principles of leadership within the modern healthcare environment. Drawing from leadership literature—including On Becoming a Leader by Warren Bennis, former UC president and leadership pioneer—this course emphasizes how leadership can transform both individuals and organizations.
The class blends lectures, group discussions, and hands-on exercises with an emphasis on applying leadership principles to real-world healthcare contexts. Students will examine how leadership impacts outcomes in clinical medicine and learn how to translate lessons into their own professional journeys.
The course is structured into three main sections, guiding students through:
Foundations of Leadership in Healthcare – exploring core values, transparency, and resilience.
Leadership in Practice – case studies and applications in academic health centers, hospitals, and community organizations.
Personal Leadership Development – applying principles directly to students’ academic, professional, and personal lives.
By the end of the semester, students will understand how leadership can drive better healthcare outcomes and will be equipped to take their first steps toward becoming future leaders in clinical medicine.