The purpose of this Dissertation, using action research (Beretta, 2006; Patton, 2002; Reason & Bradbury, 2006; Robson, 2011; Stringer, 2007), was to hear the voices of physician leaders in a geographically dispersed healthcare organization in British Columbia, Canada to discover how to more effectively engage and support physicians in their roles as leaders. The research explored three aspects of leadership: (a) what individual support and preparation do physician leaders believe they need to be effective in their leadership roles (leading Self), (b) what skills and resources do they need to lead groups or teams (leading Others), and (c) how can they more effectively engage with other leaders in the organization (leading Organization). The researcher chose Action Research as the methodology because the design of the study was predicated on the notion that physicians are more likely to own and implement a strategy designed by them, for them versus development by others. Action research allowed those involved in the study to work collaboratively to address urgent issues they consider the healthcare organization is not performing satisfactorily. Further, the objectives of this action research on physician leader engagement were to improve a practice, improve the understanding of what physician leader engagement is by those who undertakes it; and improve the conditions in which the practice occurs (Robson 2011).

The study drew data from 11 individual interviews with medical and surgical physician leaders and two feedback loops. The male and female participants included Department Heads, Division Heads and a Site Medical Director. The study identified the elements that enhance purpose and physician leader engagement as culture and climate, leadership, trust, and communication.

Action research methodology and process is scalable and replicate; however, the results of the study are not. This work indicates there is value in a more expanded study for developing a physician leader inspired-and-informed Physician Leader Engagement Strategy and Action Plan. The report to the organization resulting from this study will be used as a resource to inform the healthcare organization of approaches to improve the level of physician leader engagement in the organization for current and future physician leaders.