The Path to Department Chair: Arriving and Thriving (Part 2)

Regardless of previous experience, department chairs who are new to their role will likely be faced with some unfamiliar challenges, noted Dr. Agrawal. “There are decisions made by the department chair that someone new has never had to make before. That person doesn’t yet have that necessary and vast playbook. They may have an instinctive, gut response, but they can’t just go by what they think,” she said. “This is why it is essential to carefully and intentionally cultivate a network of people within the institution who can help.”

Dr. Varvares’ circumstances were unique in that his very first leadership role was also his first experience as a chair. “I had to learn on the job, and I made many mistakes,” he recalled. “My advice for young faculty members interested in pursuing leadership is to begin early, start small, and build incrementally with larger leadership roles. Consider engaging a coach.” He also recommended reading as much as possible about great leadership and looking out for examples of inspiring leadership in everyday life.

It is important to try out different roles early in one’s career, agreed Dr. Collins. “Some of these roles might be unfunded, but the result of doing good work is the opportunity to do more,” he said. “Ultimately, the goal of leadership is to have a great impact and leave things better than you found them. That is what led many of us into medicine. Whether working as a clinician or as a leader, that goal does not change.”

Linda Kossoff is a medical journalist based in Los Angeles.