The physician manager. Practice management education in the 21st century.

Are physicians prepared to operate competitively for the 21st century? Not according to a recent survey completed by the Society of Physicians in Administration's (SPA) membership. In fact, as far back as the 1980s, physician surveys indicated that third-year physician residents and recent graduates felt their training in practice management was inadequate. Understanding practice management issues would improve a physician's chances for success. According to the SPA survey, however, most medical schools and residency training programs don't offer courses in management.