Accelerating Physician Leader Impact: Jeff Sperring, M.D.

As much as leaders hope to be "in charge", what they quickly learn is that they must deal with many things beyond their control, says Jeff Sperring, M.D., CEO of Seattle Children's. This can be a particular challenge for physicians as they advance into leadership roles of increasing authority. Speaking from his own experience, Sperring says that physician leaders are often thrown into opportunities whether they are ready or not, and must adapt and learn from each experience. "The only guarantee is no guarantee. The only constant is change," Sperring says.

In this episode of WittKieffer's Impactful Leaders Podcast – the first in a series of episodes dedicated to physician leadership – Sperring is interviewed by WittKieffer's Michael Anderson, M.D. about his formative years as a Navy physician, and how he was presented with leadership opportunities throughout his career despite his lack of experience. By embracing each opportunity, he found a rewarding career far different from what he imagined in his early days as a practicing pediatrician. "Wherever you are, make the best of it," he says.