Leadership

A background in systems theory, the biopsychosocial-spiritual framework, and healthcare collaboration make MedFTs ideal leaders and clinical administrators within integrated healthcare systems. Leadership positions currently held by MedFT trained individuals include clinical directors, directors of behavioral health departments, national organization administrators, program directors in mental health training programs, and heads of family medicine programs. While these leadership positions are associated with general care, MedFTs are not limited to general care leadership. MedFTs also have the potential to advance into chronic-care, research-based and policy-based organizations, and healthcare specialties (e.g., pediatrics, cardiology). MedFT leaders advance and advocate whole-person care within healthcare. The promotion of more MedFTs in leadership is key to addressing the intersection of patient needs, family system needs, and healthcare system needs (Phelps et al., 2014).