Physician Leadership

In two words: Peer Groups! Peer groups are evidence-based change modalities. When we are facing the need to change, whether it be something personal like exercise or weight, or something professional like a leadership challenge, change involves personal dedication but is more successful with support from knowledgeable peers. Learning, exploring, creating, and being held accountable with the help of a small group of your peers is key to ASCENT. Many groups use this model: MasterMind groups, Weight Watchers®, Alcoholics Anonymous®, parenting groups, church connection groups, physicians in the doctor’s lounge, and fellow physicians in your residency program have often served as a peer group!

ASCENT combines didactic education with learning and growing with your peers. You’ll learn some of the same leadership and value-based care content as other leadership programs, but with an expanded scope and chance to really incorporate these principles into your practice. There will be a regular review of YOUR practice-specific metrics, personal and professional goal setting, and frank discussion amongst your peer group about how you have been able to integrate your plans into practice.

VISTA Phase 1 is a six-month physician leadership program delivered through a hybrid model of virtual independent content and active peer-based learning of integrated curriculum at two live meetings.

Virtual content modules, which are housed on the IPMA learning management system, will include a combination of interactive learning sessions, videos, slide sets, independent reading, and reflective worksheets. These will be self-paced to accommodate learners’ individual schedules.

Completion of virtual modules will precede each of two Live Meetings. Meetings include Concept-to-Action skills labs that apply the independent learning gained in the core content modules, allowing learners to actively practice leadership performance skills and develop confidence, while reinforcing knowledge. 

These sessions will be physician facilitated, and incorporate the best in adult learning principles, include competition, role playing, use of real-world scenarios, and data sets to foster growth and learning for all attendees.  

VISTA Phase 2 are extended learning opportunities lasting from 3 months to 1-year long that reinforces knowledge, builds upon the initial program, and fosters change!

Customized Quality Improvement projects can be designed for individuals or systems. For diplomates of eligible ABMS Portfolio boards, MOC Part IV credit is available to be awarded. 

Individual coaching services are also available to guide learners on their unique leadership journeys! 

SUMMIT is an affordable subscription-based virtual leadership program. SUMMIT offers virtual learning through quarterly webinars and leadership learning bites that build your leadership skills.

The goal of ASCENT is to help you become more comfortable navigating the rapidly-changing healthcare world as a physician leader, no matter what your setting. You will develop your unique strengths as a leader and identify areas for growth by individual as well as practice assessments. You will learn how to lead through the current culture of change and to better understand and succeed in today’s business of medicine. You will be provided the time, tools and trusted environment to help you change and grow. 

One of the exciting components of ASCENT Physician Leadership is its focus on personal leadership development as well as professional topics. 

ASCENT is designed for those who are decision-makers, who implement and manage change within their organization, practice or department. Most likely, that is you! Medical directors, directors of quality and safety, department chairs, physicians in leadership roles in organized medicine, and medical directors of accountable care organizations are all encouraged and welcomed. 

Yes! You can earn CME credit for our SUMMIT and VISTA Leadership Programs.

We’d love to tell you more about ASCENT and its products – VISTA, SUMMIT and coaching. We can even bring our unique style of learning to your organization. Contact us at ascent@ipmameded.org.