The American Medical Association conducted an analysis of the business education landscape for physicians and found a growing demand for curriculum that helps physicians better manage the financial aspects of practicing medicine, take on leadership roles in their practice settings, and address root causes of burnout. This research shows that the increasing administrative complexity, changing landscape for physician employment, and rapid changes in health care technology are requiring physicians to gain skills and knowledge beyond the clinical setting. Learning the Business of Medicine has become an essential component of training and continuing education.
These challenges impact physicians across all career stages, practice settings and specialties. They need flexible learning formats that translate business concepts into the health care setting and are directly relevant to physicians' daily practice.
To help guide this work, the AMA has convened an Advisory Committee of distinguished physicians and thought leaders. This committee will play a critical role in the initiative's development, establishing foundational standards and shaping the content that will support physicians in navigating the evolving business landscape of medicine.
The individuals listed below were selected after a comprehensive validation and interview process. They bring deep experience and insight across critical areas that impact physician practice, including health care management, payment and contracting, financial management, legal and regulatory affairs, human resources, marketing, strategic planning and clinical operations. These leaders will provide essential guidance and perspective to help shape the content and direction of the initiative, ensuring it is practical, relevant and responsive to the needs of physicians.
Kate Atchley, PhD
Executive director, healthcare division
Director, physician executive MBA
Professor of practice
Program/affiliation: The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Haslam College of Business
Bryan Batson, MD
Chief executive officer, chief medical information officer
Program/affiliation: Hattiesburg Clinic; AMA Integrated Physician Practice Section
Rahul Bhola, MD, MBA
Chair, medical director, and division chief of pediatric ophthalmology
Associate professor of ophthalmology
Program/affiliation: Rady Children’s Health, Children’s Hospital of Orange County; University of California, Irvine; board member, American Academy of Ophthalmic Executives
Susannah Eastwick, MA
Director, physician MBA program & graduate business programs in medicine
Program/affiliation: Indiana University, Kelley School of Business
Carolynn Francavilla, MD
Family medicine physician and owner
Program/affiliation: Green Mountain Partners for Health, AMA Private Practice Physicians Section
Dayna Isaacs, MD, MPH
Hematology/oncology fellow physician
Program/affiliation: University of California–Davis (UCD); AMA Residents and Fellows Section
Don Lighter, MD, MBA
Director of the Institute for Healthcare Quality Research and Education
Professor emeritus, physician executive MBA
Program/affiliation: The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Haslam College of Business
Asa Lockhart, MD, MBA
Advisory committee chair
Former director, Certificate in Business Administration, American Society of Anesthesiology
Program/affiliation: AMA senior advisor
Frank Oprandy, PhD, MBA
Executive director, graduate executive programs, physician executive MBA
Program/affiliation: Auburn University, Harbert College of Business
Brandi Ring, MD, MBA
Chair of obstetrics and gynecology
Program/affiliation: Cheshire Medical Center; AMA Young Physicians Section
Karen Smith, MD
Physician/owner
Program/affiliation: Karen L. Smith MD, PA; AMA Private Practice Physicians Section
Kevin Wooten, PhD
Professor of management and human resource management
Program/affiliation: University of Houston–Clear Lake
