Can Doctors Run a Hospital?

Can doctors run a hospital?
A study published in 2011 examined CEOs in the top-100 best hospitals in USNWR in three key medical specialties: cancer, digestive disorders, and cardiovascular care. The analysis showed that hospital quality scores are approximately 25% higher in physician-run hospitals than in manager-run hospitals.
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Yes, doctors are qualified to lead a hospital, is the quick response to this query. In actuality, a lot of hospitals throughout the world are controlled by physicians, either in the capacity of CEOs or members of the executive team. However, managing a hospital is not an easy undertaking and calls for a particular combination of abilities and information.

One needs a solid foundation in healthcare management, finance, and leadership to become the CEO of a hospital. Although it is not required, having a medical degree can be helpful for doctors who want to work in administration in a hospital. Doctors are knowledgeable about the difficulties involved in patient care and can offer insightful opinions on how hospitals operate.

Owning a hospital is a another matter, though. In the United States, large companies or non-profit organizations are frequently the proprietors of hospitals. It is uncommon for a doctor or surgeon to run a small private hospital, although it does happen occasionally.

One normally needs a Master’s degree in healthcare management or a closely related discipline to become the CEO of a hospital. Additionally, many CEOs have additional degrees in finance or business. Experience in hospital leadership and administration is also highly regarded.

R. Milton Johnson, the former CEO of HCA Healthcare, is now the highest paid hospital CEO in terms of pay. Johnson earned $17.3 million in total in 2018. It is crucial to remember that hospital CEO pay varies significantly based on the facility’s size and location.

Last but not least, David M. Cordani, CEO of Cigna, presently holds the distinction of highest paid CEO in healthcare. Cordani was one of the best paid CEOs in every business in 2019 after earning a total of $43.9 million.

In conclusion, it is true that doctors may manage a hospital, but it takes a special combination of abilities and knowledge. A background in healthcare management and leadership is crucial, even though having a medical degree can be advantageous. The ownership of hospitals is often owned by larger firms or non-profit organizations, making it uncommon for physicians to own them. David M. Cordani is the highest paid CEO in healthcare, while R. Milton Johnson is the highest paid CEO of a hospital.