As HM programs mature, seasoned leaders begin to evaluate the leadership potential of their staff, both clinical and administrative. Although the skills that brought each staff member to their current position often are well above average, the personal tools necessary to lead teams will ultimately come to the fore.

The need to develop and enhance leadership skills within hospitalist programs has attracted nearly 1,800 participants to SHM’s Leadership Academy courses.

Hundreds more are expected to attend the next academy, Sept. 12-15 at the historic Fontainebleau Miami Beach resort. Registration is available at www.hospitalmedicine.org/leadership.

To encourage HM programs to strengthen entire teams, SHM offers a $100 discount per person for groups of three or more hospitalists. Group leaders who bring their administrators receive a 10% discount.

First-time Leadership Academy participants will participate in the “Foundations for Effective Leadership” course. Those who already have completed “Foundations” will take their leadership skills to the next level with “Advanced Leadership: Personal Leadership Excellence.”

Another advanced leadership course, “Strengthening Your Organization,” will be presented in February 2012 in New Orleans.

“I send every hospitalist to Leadership Academy because I believe it makes them better team members,” said Eric Howell, section chief of hospital medicine and deputy director of hospital operations for the Department of Medicine at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, in a video presented at HM11. Dr. Howell, an academy faculty member, says the training makes hospitalists “better problem-solvers. I believe it makes them better doctors.” TH