Local doctor named to leadership institute

Item by Chris Graham
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Greater Augusta pediatrician Bob Gunther has been selected to participate in the 2008-2009 class of the Medical Society of Virginia Foundation’s Claude Moore Physician Leadership Institute.

Gunther is a pediatrician with Augusta Pediatrics in Fishersville and an adjunct faculty member of the pediatric department at the University of Virginia Medical School. The former Waynesboro School Board chairman is the current vice president of the Virginia chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and is the chair of pediatrics at the Augusta Medical Center.

The yearlong institute uses a variety of methods to provide physicians with practical leadership training conducted by respected local, state and national speakers. The session topics are specifically focused on physicians and include patient safety and quality of care, community health, public policy and executive management issues. The format includes live workshops, teleconferences, independent learning methods and an innovative Web-based learning platform. Once a participant completes the institute, an alumni program sustains graduates to provide and facilitate ongoing support for physician leaders as they address real-world leadership challenges.

“My interest in participation in the Physician Leadership Institute is sparked by my desire to the most effective leader for the Virginia Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics,” Gunther said. “Obtaining skills and training that increase my ability to lead and direct others in our state and networking with other physician leaders will enhance my tenure in office and make the Virginia Chapter a better voice for the health needs of children and pediatric physicians in our state.”