Mastering the Middle Miles: AHA’s CPE on Physician Leadership for the Long Run
As Chief Physician Executive of the American Hospital Association and President of its Health Research & Educational Trust, Chris DeRienzo, M.D. brings a rare blend of neonatologist, operator, and national convener. In this Accelerating Physician Leader Impact episode, Chris shares with WittKieffer hosts Michael Anderson, M.D., Co-Executive Director of WittKieffer’s Physician Leadership Institute, and Vinny Gossain, Principal, the early sparks that drew him to medicine and leadership—from witnessing multidisciplinary tumor boards focused on “saving this one person’s life” to finding a calling in patient safety and systems improvement through neonatology.
Dr. DeRienzo unpacks how mentors, allies, and sponsors shaped his trajectory—getting him “into rooms I had no business being in”—and why sponsorship is essential as physicians move from structured academic ladders into less linear health system roles. He argues that modern physician leadership careers resemble a “jungle gym, not a ladder,” and require intentional opportunities to close knowledge, exposure, and experience gaps in areas like finance, people leadership, and technology.
A core theme is perseverance through the “middle miles.” Dr. DeRienzo describes how meaningful transformations rarely start with fanfare; they begin with small, compounding wins that build credibility until an inflection point appears. Leaders must set a clear end vision and anticipate the hard stretch on any journey—“mile 17”—when resources waver and attention drifts, yet teams are closest to breakthrough.
He also spotlights technology as a lever for well-being, not just productivity—pointing to ambient listening and workflow redesign that prioritize clinicians’ experience and rekindle face-to-face patient connection. The episode closes with a leadership credo that anchors his approach: “The simplest and most practical lesson I know is to resolve to be good today and better tomorrow.”
Learn more about Dr. DeRienzo’s recent co-authored article providing a "Framework for Developing Physician Leaders" in NEJM Catalyst.
