City Research Online

Abstract

Background/Aim

This article challenges the dominance of multidisciplinary and often generic leadership development programmes in healthcare. Drawing on nearly a decade of experience with the Executive Masters in Medical Leadership (EMML) at Bayes Business School—a physician-only programme—we argue that profession-specific education is not just preferable but essential.

Methods

This paper reflects on our experience designing and delivering the EMML, combined with a review of evidence on physician personality traits, professional responsibilities, and the historical development of generic management education. We examine the theoretical and practical case for tailored leadership development that recognises professional differences.

Results

Physicians possess distinct personality traits, undergo uniquely extensive training, carry exceptional legal and professional responsibilities, and operate within a fundamentally different professional culture than other healthcare workers or general managers. We do not believe that this is adequately recognised in the National Health Service. Our experience and EMML learning outcomes data demonstrate that physician-only programmes create psychological safety, build lasting professional networks, and deliver learning outcomes that generic, multidisciplinary courses are unlikely to replicate.

Conclusion

Professional differences demand profession-specific education. The NHS champions diversity in race, gender and background. It is time to recognise cognitive, professional and situational diversity with equal vigour.

Publication Type:	Article
Additional Information:	This article has been accepted for publication in BMJ Leader, 2026 following peer review, and the Version of Record can be accessed online at https://doi.org/10.1136/leader-2025-001263..For the avoidance of doubt, this manuscript version is protected by copyright, including for uses related to text and data mining, AI training, and similar technologies.
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management R Medicine
Departments:	Bayes Business School Bayes Business School > Faculty of Management
SWORD Depositor:	Symplectic Administrator

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