Former AMA president addresses transformational leadership

Dr. Robert E. McAfee, former president of the American Medical Association (AMA), was guest speaker for the inaugural Transformational Leadership Grand Rounds by the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine.

Titled “Turning Doctors Into Leaders: What Will It Take and Why It’s So Important in an Era of Transformation,” the Oct. 9 event in Bryan was broadcast by video conference to sites in College Station, Round Rock, Temple, Houston and Dallas.

Dr. McAfee spoke about his experience as AMA president and the importance of creating physician-leaders in an evolving health care system. He also touched upon the Daniel Hanley Center Physician Executive Leadership Institute in Maine, believed to be the nation’s first independent, statewide physician executive leadership development program.

Prior to the presentation, students had an opportunity to visit Dr. McAfee at breakfast. They discussed his choice of addressing the issue of family violence during his term as AMA president, the transition of health care to a team approach and more.

“Dr. McAfee presented strong points about the importance of creating physician-leaders in an evolving health care system and suggested multiple avenues available for us as medical students to become involved in health policy, advocacy and leadership,” said Gabriel Axelrud ’14.