Our mission to advance health in America can only be as successful as the people who lead it. In a time of rapid transformational change, much depends on the readiness of next generation health care leaders to step up and accept the challenge of driving our field toward innovation and value.
 
Yet, in a 2017 Stanford University study, 46% of respondents reported no systemic process to identify, groom and develop future leaders. Why isn’t this a higher priority, and how can health care organizations start to prepare for effective leadership succession?
 
I explored these questions with Maryjane Wurth, AHA executive vice president and chief operating officer, when we sat down during the Aspen Ideas Festival. We discussed the most important traits for tomorrow’s leaders, and I shared examples of what we are doing back home at Atlantic Health System. Listen in on AHA’s Advancing Health podcast channel.
 
The passion and commitment of the attendees at last week’s AHA Leadership Summit was truly inspiring. I’m hopeful that as we prioritize this critical issue, we will cultivate leaders who will ensure a brighter future for health care in America for countless generations to come.

Related News Articles

Headline
The American Society for Health Care Engineering July 28 announced the recipients of its annual member awards during the 2025 Health Care Facilities Innovation…
Perspective
Public
The 2025 AHA Leadership Summit wrapped up on July 22, and as always, it was energizing and inspiring to connect with so many talented and dedicated people…
Perspective
Public
Personalized cancer vaccines that are tailored to individual patients, targeting the specific mutations present in their tumors.AI analysis of pathology slides…
Headline
President Trump yesterday announced that Casey Means, M.D., has been nominated to be the next U.S. surgeon general.
Chairperson's File
Public
This is an incredibly dynamic and transformative time for health care. One resource I have found incredibly helpful in speaking with many of you and engaging…
Headline
Hospitals and health systems are urged to nominate candidates as soon as possible for the AHA Next Generation Leaders Fellowship so they can apply by the March…