Shared by Dr. Sydney Ross-Davis, M.D. , Former Chief Medical Officer for Aetna Better Health Missouri and Member of the Impresiv Health Executive Advisory Board

So, do you still want to be a chief medical officer?

This is the second installment in our series exploring the role of a chief medical officer. In the first article, we discussed how to evaluate your baseline knowledge and expertise, understand the key roles and responsibilities of the position, and identify any gaps between your current skills and the knowledge required for success.

Choosing the right C-Suite role

Recent headlines might have shifted your perception of what life as a Health Plan executive entails—and that’s completely understandable. However, the healthcare industry offers a wide range of leadership roles beyond the C-Suite.

You have the opportunity to pursue leadership roles in various sectors, including health plans, the pharmaceutical industry, medical societies, hospitals, independent practice associations, group practices, federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), clinical faculties, state or federal government, research, consulting, technology companies, healthcare service vendors, health-related startups, and healthcare analytics providers. The possibilities extend far beyond this list, offering a diverse range of impactful career paths.

The truth is, there are countless roles to explore. The question is: where do you truly belong, and how can you discover the right fit for you?

How to start assessing your next career move

Start by asking yourself this: Are you truly excelling in your current role? Take a moment to reflect and dig deeper. What makes you believe you’re performing well, or, on the flip side, why do you feel you’re falling short? Identify the areas where you shine and those that need improvement. What specific steps can you take to grow and become even better?

Remember, you carry your strengths and weaknesses into every new role, shaping your success for better or worse. Start by identifying the position you’re interested in, then thoughtfully assess how your skills and areas for improvement align with the job requirements.

Preparing for your next steps

Start by identifying what you need to achieve success and make a plan to acquire it. Will they provide training, or will you need to seek it out on your own? Take charge and proactively plan for your success.

Do you need to return to school for additional training? Consider the cost, the time commitment, and how it will impact your current lifestyle. How will it affect your family and work responsibilities? Will the investment in a degree be justified by the potential increase in income? Alternatively, can you enter the industry through an entry-level position and gain experience by learning on the job?

Why do you aspire to be a leader? Reflect on what unique value you bring to any organization or initiative as a leader. Consider the actions you’ve taken that showcase your leadership abilities. Do you have recent leadership experience or manage a team directly? How effective are you in guiding and motivating your staff? Do you genuinely enjoy managing people, and do they respond positively to your leadership style? Finally, ask yourself: Are you truly a good listener? Take a moment to answer honestly.

Are you skilled at managing conflict? Can you handle criticism from peers and managers, even when it feels unwarranted? If your answer is yes, be prepared to back it up. Have specific examples ready to share—when, where, and how you demonstrated these abilities. A good interviewer will almost certainly ask you these questions, so make sure you’re ready to respond confidently.

Have you ever experienced failure in something that truly mattered to you? How did you handle that setback, and what lessons did it teach you?

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room—how well do you collaborate with others? Are you more of a lone wolf, or do you thrive in a team setting? Can you handle not being in charge and working alongside people who might not always follow your recommendations?

Are you willing to embrace discomfort? How do you react when it inevitably arises? When you spot problems, do you also propose solutions? Are those solutions grounded in a deep understanding of your industry, your customers, your company culture, the cost of change, and the expertise of your team? Do you make demands, or do you offer thoughtful suggestions?

Put all the pieces together

To sum this up, start by identifying a new role that excites you. Research the position thoroughly while also taking time for self-reflection. Assess your own strengths and weaknesses, and actively work on areas where you can improve. Use your skills as a clinician and your analytical mindset to clearly define your personal goals, the strategies to achieve them, and the management skills required for your chosen path. Plan your next steps carefully, and most importantly, build a strong team to support and guide you on your journey toward success.

Here are the key takeaways: Start by evaluating your own skills and knowledge. Then, review the job descriptions for roles you’re interested in—or the one you currently hold—and compare your expertise to the qualifications they require.

Conduct a gap assessment: Is there a gap between your current skills and the requirements for your goal? If so, what steps will you need to take to close it? Would pursuing an intermediate role first help you prepare for the position of Chief Medical Officer?

Do you know friends or colleagues who have already taken that professional leap? Reach out to them. Seek guidance from a mentor. Embrace the discomfort—it’s where growth begins.

When you’re ready to find the perfect Chief Medical Officer role – or if you’re searching for the right CMO for your organization, let Impresiv Health help you take the next step. Click here to schedule a call with our Healthcare Partnerships team.