Emotional Intelligence and Leadership Development: Implications for Family Medicine Residency Programs

Abstract

High-level emotional Intelligence (EI) and leadership skills are crucial for physicians to prioritize responsibilities and successfully interact with numerous stakeholders in an every-increasingly complex healthcare system. Although recent research has shown an association between emotional intelligence and leadership, few studies have examined this relationship among family and primary care physicians. Family physicians play an essential role in the evaluation and treatment of illnesses as well as health and wellness promotion. These providers are often the first point of contact with the patient and the use of emotional intelligence and development of leadership abilities of primary care physicians are vital to the maintenance, sustainability, and optimization of a medical organization. Furthermore, high- level emotional intelligence and sharpened leadership skills may aid the patient-provider relationship and dealings with coworkers. This chapter explores key themes of EI and physician leadership as it pertains to Family Medicine Residency.