Young Physician Leaders 2024: Challenges of New Leaderships in Health

The InterAcademy Partnership (IAP) held its 2024 Young Physician Leaders (YPL) workshop at the European School of Management and Technology (ESMT) Berlin on 11-12 October 2024, gathering an exceptional group of 21 emerging health leaders from around the world. This two-day event is the first stage of a dynamic programme designed to cultivate leadership skills among promising young physicians. Since its founding in 2011, the YPL programme has expanded to include a vibrant alumni network of over 280 participants, all of whom are shaping the future of global healthcare.

ESMT, known for its innovative approach to management education, provided an inspiring environment for participants to engage in leadership development exercises, thoughtful discussions and reflections. With a focus on health, sustainability and leadership, the Berlin event offered a rich mix of theoretical insights and practical leadership challenges, marking an exciting beginning for this year's cohort.

Day 1: Leadership Insights and Sustainability Challenges

The first day opened with a welcoming address by Dr. Jo Boufford, Programme Director, and Prof. Nora Grasselli, an expert in Leadership and Organizational Behavior. Their remarks set the stage for a journey of self-discovery and growth, as participants shared their own leadership experiences in an interactive session led by Boufford. The diversity of perspectives highlighted the universal challenges of leadership in healthcare, while also providing opportunities for cross-cultural learning and exchange.

A highlight of the day was the Virchow Prize ESMT Lecture, an insightful session where laureates Prof. Lucy Gilson and Prof. Johan Rockström tackled the critical intersection of health, sustainability and planetary well-being. Rockström, Director of the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, emphasized the urgency of systemic change, stating,

"We need leadership, top-down discussions on how to fast-track understanding on sustainability and the links between humans and planet Earth."

He also called for greater engagement from business education, remarking,

"Business schools are an important component. We cannot train future business leaders who don’t understand sustainability, including its link with economics."

His views underscored the importance of integrating sustainability across educational institutions to cultivate the leaders needed for a sustainable future. Gilson, from the University of Cape Town, South Africa, added a powerful reflection on education’s role in driving systemic change, asserting,

"It's not only about getting these issues on the curriculum, it's also about how we teach. There must be a movement for change that binds people together, locally to globally. We need to take agency."

A subsequent panel discussion touched on critical themes, including the failure of political systems to fully implement climate solutions. As Rockström pointed out,

"We are failing politically because transitions like phasing out coal will be turbulent. The ride will be bumpy, but the direction is clear."

He stressed that while policy frameworks like the Paris Agreement are in place,

"The problem is not the decision; it's the delivery."

He also highlighted the role businesses are beginning to play in responding to climate challenges, referencing Germany's shift from diesel to electric engines as a promising example of progress. The morning’s discussions on health, climate and leadership were followed by a networking lunch, giving participants the opportunity to deepen their connections with one another and explore potential collaborations.

Ambidextrous Leadership and Leadership Styles

The afternoon brought a unique, hands-on activity for the YPL—the Ambidextrous Leadership Maze, facilitated by Grasselli. This engaging exercise challenged participants to balance innovative thinking with operational efficiency, a skill crucial for navigating the complexities of healthcare leadership. As they worked - silently - through the maze, the young leaders were forced to think critically and creatively, sparking lively discussions and teamwork.

The following session on 'Diagnosing and Expanding Your Leadership Styles' built on this exercise, offering a framework for participants to analyze their own leadership strengths and areas for growth. Through peer feedback and self-assessment, they developed a deeper understanding of the different leadership styles necessary for success in the ever-evolving healthcare sector.

Day 2: Team Decision-Making and Peer Consultations

The second day focused on practical leadership tools, beginning with a session on Team Decision-Making led by ESMT's Prof. Francis de Véricourt. Participants were guided through scenarios requiring collaborative decision-making, reinforcing the importance of effective communication, delegation and leadership in team settings. These skills are particularly relevant in healthcare, where decision-making can have a direct impact on patient outcomes.

Following a lunch break, the cohort engaged in 'Peer Consultations', a session that provided an open forum for participants to seek advice and offer solutions to real-world leadership challenges they are facing. This consultative approach not only fostered a sense of community but also empowered the young leaders to apply fresh insights directly to their professional lives.

The Berlin chapter of the YPL Programme wrapped up with a closing workshop where participants reflected on their experiences and prepared for the next stage of their leadership journey. The group will soon head to the World Health Summit (WHS) to continue their training and engage with global health leaders.

Looking Ahead: YPL at the World Health Summit

The IAP YPL cohort then participated in the World Health Summit, where they presented their insights on pressing health issues.