4 Vital Issues for Physicians in 2012

4. Docs As Business Managers: Whether it's dealing with IT systems or hospitals, as physicians brace for changes in 2012, they should also consider this: Doctors can't be only doctors anymore in an evolving, fast-paced business climate. Being a clinician is only part of the job.

Goodman says that more and more, physicians will be assuming greater "business and people management responsibilities" within practice and hospital settings.

Hospitals are relying on physicians to take on more leadership roles as the facilities expand multidisciplinary care in service lines ranging from cardiology to oncology.

The foundation states in a report, "In 2012, physicians will need to acquire new types of nonmedical leadership skills to be effective in expanded roles while still maintaining their trusted relationships with patients."

Doctors need to develop more as team leaders and as members of a team. In that way, patients can be better served.

As Goodman notes, there's a "new medical landscape" for 2012.