Celebrating 50 Years of Healthcare Leadership Excellence

As healthcare leaders from around the world gather in Boston for the 2025 Annual Leadership Conference, we prepare for a week of networking, leadership education, and celebration. This year’s conference marks the American Association for Physician Leadership’s (AAPL) 50th anniversary - a milestone that underscores the dedication of over 250,000 individuals to leadership excellence.

Founded by Roger Schenke in 1975, AAPL (formerly ACPE) has remained the sole association committed to empowering physicians as transformative leaders; grounded in the core belief that all physicians are leaders. As such, they play a vital role in advancing healthcare service delivery and patient outcomes. Yet, we recognize that leadership is not an innate skill but a learned one – an art that requires dedication, resilience, and a drive for innovation.

Embracing the Future with Purpose and Passion

AAPL operates under a CRISP philosophy – continuous renewal through innovation and seeking perfection. Today, physicians face an increasingly complex healthcare environment, brimming with unprecedented challenges and demands. An environment that demands a CRISP approach. Now more than ever, we are redefining our roles, embracing innovative leadership strategies, and championing the principle that “leadership is learned.”

Consider the journey of AAPL Fellow, Corey M. Conrath, DO, MPH, MBA, FACOEM, CPE, FAAPL, and countless physicians like him. “The most valuable asset throughout my journey into physician leadership has been my connection to AAPL. The organization fosters a dynamic learning environment, offers unparalleled networking opportunities, and continues to champion physician-led healthcare. AAPL remains at the forefront of returning medicine to a physician-led model—one that ensures patient-centered care remains the priority,” says Conrath.

Research continuously shows that those who prioritize physician leadership report better financial stability and sustainability, patient safety, quality and cost control, employee morale, and organizational efficiency. One organization emphasizes, “To develop future leaders, we must bridge the generational gaps by creating a tailored ‘algorithm for hope’ - mentorship and leadership opportunities that provide meaningful engagement, address unique challenges, and inspire a shared vision for the future of healthcare leadership.”

As we gather to celebrate our rich history, we invite healthcare leaders of all backgrounds to embrace this pivotal moment. Let us honor the accomplishments of the physician workforce and commit ourselves to a future where we lead with purpose, passion, and profound impact.

Navigating AI and Career Growth

On Thursday, April 24, healthcare leaders joined us for an engaging afternoon of career development. During the pre-conference session, Revolutionizing Healthcare by Leveraging AI, we explored the fundamental concepts of AI and the ethical, regulatory, and practical considerations it presents.

In addition, conference attendees had the opportunity to join WittKieffer for a complimentary event featuring sessions that highlighted essential career advancement tools and strategies. Industry experts covered executive resume creation, personal branding, and strategic approaches to landing senior leadership roles.

Pioneering the Next Era of Healthcare Leadership

We welcome you to the 2025 AAPL Annual Leadership Conference and look forward to the engaging and transformative conversations that are yet to come.

Whether you are attending the conference in person or supporting from afar, we invite you to reflect on what physician leadership means to you and the future of healthcare. Together, individually and collectively, we can continue driving meaningful change.