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Certified Physician Executive

Be at the forefront of influential change

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Since 1997, the Certified Physician Executive (CPE) credential has helped physicians maximize their leadership potential to influence progressive change in healthcare.

The CPE designation tells a compelling story of your business acumen to colleagues, current and future employers, recruiters and others. It endorses your ability to lead large groups, manage budgets, address HR challenges, and apply strategic business insights.

The CPE demonstrates your commitment to quality, communication and excellence in healthcare. You will feel the personal satisfaction of achieving an exclusive pinnacle of professional distinction. Endorsed by the American Association for Physician Leadership, the CPE credential is awarded by the Certifying Commission in Medical Management (CCMM) and is a benchmark for employers seeking the most accomplished and influential physician leaders.

The CPE curriculum provides you with the knowledge, skills and core competencies in key areas to transition into a wide array of leadership roles. The final Capstone program is the culmination of that education designed to refine your skills to be an even more effective leader.

Our CPE alumni are amongst the most influential leaders in healthcare and they have shared their journey with other aspiring physician leaders, which you can read more about below. CPE Testimonials

Eligibility

To be eligible for the CPE Capstone, candidates must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a licensed M.D. or D.O.
  • Have an active AAPL membership.
  • Have at least one cumulative year of health care leadership experience and significant managerial oversight as described in the Capstone leadership criteria. Candidates must attest to significant lessons learned, physician leadership position(s) and dates/time spent in each role(s).
  • Be (or have been) board certified in a clinical specialty recognized by the ABMS or AOA, or an equivalent recognized board certification commission in the country in which they reside and are licensed to practice.
  • Three years’ experience in clinical practice beyond residency and fellowship training.
  • Complete the Certified Physician Executive curriculum OR have a qualifying graduate management degree program. (MBA, MMM, MHA, MPH, MS-HQSM, MS in management, etc.) 
  • Once you meet all eligibility requirements, you would apply online for the CPE Capstone. The Capstone is a live 3 ½ day certifying program and is the final step in achieving the CPE credential. We offer the Capstone four times a year.

Start your journey

View the CPE Curriculum Chart or review the full list of CPE Courses, and become a member of the association to receive 15% off your coursework along with other great benefits.

Learn more about the Capstone program and review additional eligibility application details.

Learn More About the CPE Capstone

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What Our Current CPE's are Saying

“We all have letters after our names — MD, MMM, MBA, others. CPE might seem like another set of letters, but I learned how to identify my leadership strengths, and [the exercises] stick with me today.”

Watch testimonial
Barbara Loeb, MD, MBA, CPE, FACP, FACPE
CMO, Chicago Health System, Illinois

“I felt on top with the MMM I had gotten previously, but the CPE gave me a little bit more credibility in trying to move up the ladder. …
It’s a validation that you’ve put in the time and you’ve acquired those [necessary] skills.”

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Bob Coates, MD, MMM, CPE, FAAPL
VPMA, Hunterdon Medical Center, New Jersey

“A lot of what a CPE knows is how to talk ‘administration.’ Most health systems and hospitals have no clue how to talk ‘doctor.’
...The CPE credential tells everyone you are prepared.”

Michael Torres, MD, MBA, CPE, CHCQM, FAAPL
VP and CMO, Florida Hospital Tampa

“I’ve been a hiring manager for physician executives, and CPE is a credential that I really value. Because it shows me that not only is someone interested in being a physician leader, but they’ve actually taken action.”

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Patricia Buss, MD, MBA, CPE
Physician Executive, Evolent Health, Washington, D.C.

“It gives me credibility in my role …not only to my colleagues but with the administrative leadership in any field that I work across.”

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Anil Thogarucheeti, MD, MBA, CPE, FACP
Department Chair, Gould Medical Group, California

“It’s our job, I think, to provide the best care to all patients — not the ones we touch but also the patients we will not touch one-on-one but will reach through our credentials, such as CPE.”

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Amjad Riar, MD, CPE, FAAPL
Internist, Inova Loudoun Hospital, Virginia

“The credentialing opened an avenue of management and taking care of hospital administration, which we had very little training during our standard medical training. … [It] helped me become a better physician.”

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Koroush Khalighi, MD, CPE, FAAPL
Chief of Medical Staff, Easton Hospital, Pennsylvania

“You won’t know the value of it until 20 years from now. It’s like that seventh-grade English teacher. It might not be a pleasure to go through it, but it really is worth the time, effort and investment.”

Mark Browne, MD, MMM, CPE, FAAP, FACPE
Senior VP and CMO, Covenant Health, Tennessee
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