From Physicians to Leaders: 2026 IAP Young Physician Leaders share lessons from Berlin

Twenty-four physicians from 22 countries gathered in Berlin from 9 to 12 October 2026 for the 15th edition of the IAP Young Physician Leaders programme. Representing fields as diverse as clinical medicine, public health, medical education, biomedical research and health policy, they spent two days at ESMT Berlin exploring the skills and challenges of leadership in modern healthcare.

The programme examined topics including leadership identity, organisational change, collaboration, conflict management and decision-making under uncertainty. Through case studies, self-assessments, group exercises and peer-consulting sessions, participants reflected on their own leadership journeys while learning from colleagues working in different countries, specialties and health systems.

As the workshop progressed, the focus shifted from learning about leadership to practising it. Working together, the cohort designed a session entitled 'From Physicians to Leaders', drawing on the experiences, insights and discussions developed throughout the programme.

Filmed at ESMT Berlin on 12 October, the session explores four themes: the changing role of physicians, the barriers faced by emerging leaders, the process of learning to lead change, and the future that young health professionals hope to build. The result is both a reflection on the YPL experience and a discussion of the broader leadership challenges facing healthcare around the world.

The IAP Young Physician Leaders programme supports physicians under the age of 40 who are building careers as clinicians, educators, researchers, public health professionals and health policy leaders. Since its launch in 2011, the programme has connected more than 300 physicians through a global alumni network committed to improving health locally and internationally.

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