Physician Leadership Journal
Building Trust, Not Power: Leading with Humility and Purpose
The author reflects on leading an Internal Medicine department, emphasizing trust, humility, and collaborative leadership to balance patient care and team well-being.
May/June 2026 Vol. 13, No. 3 pp. 40–41 DOI: 10.55834/plj.4380190097
Abstract
This narrative reflects on the author’s experience as chair of the Department of Internal Medicine within a multispecialty outpatient clinic in Northeast Georgia. It explores themes of leadership, humility, and the balance between administrative responsibilities and clinical practice. It emphasizes the importance of creating an environment where clinicians can thrive, fostering trust over control, and leading with presence and purpose. The author challenges conventional perceptions of leadership, advocating for a collaborative, grounded, and quiet form of leadership that prioritizes patient care and team well-being over personal recognition or authority.
