Currently, only 5% of hospitals in the United States are led by chief executive officers (CEOs) who are also physicians.
The Declining Trend in Physician Leadership
This percentage reflects a significant shift in hospital administration over several decades. The presence of physicians in the top leadership role of hospitals has seen a substantial decline. Since 1935, the number of hospitals managed by CEOs with a medical degree has decreased by 90%.
This long-term trend indicates a strategic evolution in hospital management, moving away from a predominantly physician-led model towards a more diverse leadership structure that often includes individuals with backgrounds in business, finance, or public health.
Here's a summary of the key figures regarding physician CEOs in U.S. hospitals:
| Metric | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Current Physician CEOs (United States) | 5% |
| Decline in Physician CEOs since 1935 | 90% |
