Healthcare Administration Leadership & Management Journal
Strategic Thinking in Healthcare Leadership
Mike Sacopulos interviews Dr. Michael Gardner about strategic thinking for physician leaders, its role in healthcare, mentorship, AI's impact, and courses being developed to enhance leadership and strategic planning skills.
March/April 2026 Vol. 4, No. 2 pp. 80–82 DOI: 10.55834/halmj.4322491542
Abstract
In this interview, Mike Sacopulos converses with Michael Gardner, MD, Vice President and Administrator of Women’s and Children’s Hospital at University Health in San Antonio, Texas, about the importance of strategic thinking for physician leaders. Dr. Gardner shares insights from his extensive leadership experience and highlights how strategic thinking differs from clinical thinking, emphasizing its critical role in shaping the future of healthcare. He discusses the necessity for physician leaders to actively engage in decision-making processes, the value of mentorship and education in developing strategic skills, and the importance of bridging clinical and business perspectives. Dr. Gardner also addresses the impact of artificial intelligence in enhancing strategic planning and provides advice for physicians interested in cultivating strategic thinking capabilities. The conversation concludes with an overview of courses being developed by Dr. Gardner and Dr. Mark Guadagnoli to equip physician leaders with practical tools for strategic planning in healthcare.
