Management roles for physicians: training residents for the reality.

The University of Arizona has incorporated administrative training into general preventive medicine residency and occupational medicine residency training programs to provide preparation at the most appropriate time for future management roles for physicians. Training parallels future specialty choices and focuses on computer skills, fiscal control, budgeting, personnel management, political or regulatory process, program development, and planning and organization. Throughout the 2-year training period, residents are in a position to acquire management skills through course work, selected rotations, special projects, and a concentrated 1-month rotation in administration. Practical application is exercised in management settings within the department and in the community. A longitudinal training approach is advocated for similar programs and for other specialties to ensure successful management of health care with physicians as an integral component.