Lessons in Advancing Healthcare Leadership from the 2025 AAPL Conference

As we near the end of the 2025 American Association for Physician Leadership Annual Leadership Conference, we invite you to reflect on its flurry of excitement and innovation.

Picture yourself walking through the grand halls of Boston Park Plaza, in a city often considered the “birthplace of the American Revolution.” You’re surrounded by nearly 600 esteemed colleagues and the buzz of engaging conversations. Some may even be the start of something great. As you navigate the crowd, you feel the collective energy, overwhelming pride, and commitment to advancing healthcare leadership.

You make your way to the grand ballroom in time for AAPL President & CEO, Peter Angood, MD, FRCS(C), FACS, MCCM, FAAPL(Hon), to introduce the first keynote of the day.

Jerome Adams, MD, MPH, FASA, former U.S. Surgeon General, takes the stage. His presence commands attention, and you can feel the anticipation in the room. Adams begins his keynote by reflecting on his journey in public health and the pivotal moments that shaped his career. He shares powerful anecdotes, including his efforts in combating the opioid epidemic and leading the nation through the COVID-19 pandemic. “You can go in very defensive if there’s an obstacle or crisis. Or, you can change your mindset and say ‘Okay, how can I use this opportunity to advance an issue that is important to me? To do something that hasn’t been done before,'” he says as his voice resonates through the ballroom. His words remind you of the profound impact healthcare leaders have on society.

Dr. Adams continues, emphasizing the importance of resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges. “It’s easy to be frustrated, it’s easy to talk to your colleagues about the fear and obstacles healthcare faces right now; but there’s a lot of opportunity for you all as leaders,” says Dr. Adams. “We’re in an environment where division is monetized. Where everything is designed to point out the ways we differ from one another. No matter how much people tell you you’re different, you can always find something in common. We have far more in common than what will ever separate us.” His insights are both inspiring and thought-provoking, leaving you with a renewed sense of purpose and path to success through patience and collaboration.

After the keynote, you make your way to your first session, prepared to lead the charge in the future of healthcare leadership. Your sessions focused on inter-professional collaboration, AI & data analytics, value-based care, and maximizing your potential through professional development. The speakers present case studies and offer real-world solutions, sparking ideas on how you can implement similar innovation in your own practice.

As the afternoon sun casts a warm glow over the Boston Park Plaza, you find your seat ready to learn more about the role worker well-being plays in healthcare. J. Corey Feist, JD, MBA, CEO & Co-Founder of the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation , takes the stage. Feist’s work has been instrumental in advocating for the well-being of healthcare professionals, a mission born out of a deeply personal tragedy.

Feist begins his address by sharing the story behind the foundation, named in honor of his late sister-in-law, Dr. Lorna Breen, whose untimely death exactly 5 years ago underscored the critical need for mental health support within healthcare. His heartfelt narrative sets the tone for a keynote focused on resilience, advocacy, and systemic change. “Every single person on that screen felt the way Lorna did. They were worried that the ramifications of seeking mental health treatment was losing their license,” said Feist. “They are not here anymore, and I cannot convince them otherwise.” His words resonate deeply, reminding you of the often-overlooked struggles faced by those on the front lines.

He shares insights from his publications and testimonies before the United States Congress, illustrating the tangible impact of dedicated advocacy. "We have to take these stories and move them into action so we can better support healthcare workers as they support their communities," he declares. As you listen, you are inspired by his unwavering commitment and the profound impact of his work, which earned him and his wife the Surgeon General’s Medallion for Health in 2023. Feist’s keynote leaves you with practical strategies to make a difference in the mental health and well-being of your colleagues.

From your time at the conference, you recall two panel discussions that stand out in your memory. One featured international healthcare leaders discussing global health initiatives and the unique challenges different regions face. The panelists share key insights on the state of healthcare and physician leadership in their own area of the world, highlighting the need for continued collaboration.

The second session focuses on value-based care and explores strategies to improve patient outcomes while reducing costs. The panelists took time to thoughtfully delve into its inception and where it stands in healthcare today. Both sessions provide you with actionable takeaways and a deeper understanding of its complexities and opportunities within the industry.

As the conference comes to an end, the overwhelming feeling of inspiration is palpable. You can't help but feel a sense of pride and motivation to continue your healthcare leadership journey and leave a lasting impact on the industry. Whether across specialties in a boardroom or with peers across continents, one key theme has remained clear. Collaboration will be the key to our continued success and innovation in providing the best care possible to the communities we serve.

Your time in Boston provided you with the chance to begin new collaborations and develop skills that left you feeling a renewed sense of purpose and community. The knowledge gained, the connections made, and the inspiration felt will undoubtedly shape your professional career, leaving a ripple effect on the future of healthcare.