EDITORIAL THE PHYSICIAN AS LEADER

Medical doctors have for a long time held a special position in society. In addition to clinical responsibilities, physicians frequently serve also as leaders and advocates at the individual, community, and societal levels. They are often in a unique position of insight, and provide important and useful perspectives which are valuable even outside of the scope of medical practice. As respected members of the community-at-large, as well as key members of the healthcare system, doctors have the opportunity to get involved and make a difference at any and all levels. The realities of modern medicine provide perhaps the greatest opportunities for medical leadership ever available. This availability creates, of course, a great need for leaders to both step in and step up to th