General Mark Hertling -- Growing Physician Leaders

This podcast shares the habits and practices of peak performers and top leaders, from many walks of life; physicians, senior executives, entrepreneurs, and academics. And from every season, from the seasoned and sage to those emerging leaders and rising rock stars. All who are blazing trails and shining a light for others.

What is a retired US Army general doing in the healthcare industry? So glad you asked. There’s a lot hospitals can learn from a heavily-decorated general with a four-decades-long military career.

After serving at home and abroad, commanding tank platoons, spending over three years in combat, and moving 24 times with his wife, Mark has much experience, life lessons, and wisdom to draw upon...and he’s bringing his experience and wisdom to the healthcare industry.

He sees parallels between soldiers and physicians -- their code of ethics, their drive to serve. Thanks to his military career, he knows what good leadership looks like and the crucial role it plays in the formation and execution of effective teamwork. Mark also believes that excellent leadership has certain defining characteristics but that leaders come in many different styles.

In today’s episode, we hear about Mark’s first airplane ride when he left St. Louis for West Point, about his illustrious military career, and about how a mentoring relationship led to his development of a leadership course for physicians.