Physician Leadership Journal Peer reviewed
A Purpose-Driven Framework for Career Sustainability Among Physician Leaders in Academic Medicine
This review presents a framework to help physician leaders align values, reflect, and make strategic decisions for sustainable, fulfilling academic medicine careers.
July/August 2026 Vol. 13, No. 4 pp. 7–13 DOI: 10.55834/plj.1816922028
Abstract
Physician leaders in academic medicine may face pressure to balance their well-being and work while making difficult decisions in constantly changing academic medicine environments. This review presents a purpose-driven framework to guide physician leaders to cultivate sustainable careers in academic medicine. Given the personal nature of physician leaders’ goals and work-life harmony, reflections, values alignment, and strategic decision-making are integrated within this framework. By synthesizing insights from psychology, healthcare leadership, and career development, this framework offers actionable strategies for physician leaders to thrive in complex academic medicine environments.
