From Rejection to Election: An Unexpected Physician Leadership Journey

This chapter is my own leadership story which starts from my first physician leadership role as a chief resident and progresses to clinic leader, residency faculty, and medical director, culminating in my role as Chief Medical Officer (CMO). Through storytelling, it describes the serendipitous nature of leadership, common leadership challenges, especially for new leaders, and the growth process inherent in any leadership journey. Using specific examples, particularly from my early leadership roles, the chapter discusses decision-making, second-guessing oneself, seeking and taking advice, and establishing positional authority while also reflecting the broad number of leadership roles that may be available to physicians.