[Requirement profile for leading surgeons: from the perspective of an experienced surgeon].

The present day and future requirement profiles for leading surgeons have become manifold and are defined as such. Many requirements are teachable and learnable, such as economy and management. It is more difficult to form a leading personality out of a capable surgeon and can only succeed if the personal character disposition is already present. Only such personalities will be able to remain authentic as leader of a clinic. Success is based as always on a symbiosis of the learnable basics and the personality structure with the willingness to lead and to serve and not to become tired of it.