Objective: The purpose of this study is to examine leadership qualities, preparation for leadership, and perceptions of skills needed for academic leaders in obstetrics and gynecology.
Study design: Chairmen and acting chairmen of the 122 United States medical schools with residency training programs in obstetrics and gynecology were surveyed about the stated objectives of the study. Differences in proportions were analyzed by means of the chi 2 test; the Student t test was used to compare mean ranks.
Results: Information was obtained from 98 (80.3%) of those surveyed. Interpersonal skills and knowledge of the specialty were identified as most important qualities leading to appointment; financial management skills were identified as most frequently lacking. Having a mentor prior to appointment was found to be associated with several characteristics. Those chairmen who had mentors were more likely to have these characteristics: (1) to have completed a subspecialty fellowship, (2) to command a larger departmental budget (greater than $4 million), (3) to have been a board examiner before appointment, and (4) to have received support in obtaining their appointment from recognized leaders in the specialty.
Conclusion: Current academic leaders in obstetrics and gynecology must identify and prepare protégés (protégées) for future leadership roles.