Fostering leadership

Urologic surgeon Sam Bhayani, MD, is a product of concerted departmental efforts to build successful leaders and provide leadership opportunities. After completing his medical degree and surgery residency training at Washington University, he was a busy clinician and internationally known researcher for many years, then recognized he wanted to do more. With the support of Department Chair Timothy Eberlein, MD, and Business Affairs Executive Director Jamie Sauerburger, he took on leadership roles at Barnes- Jewish West County Hospital, including serving as chief medical officer (CMO). Now he is CMO of Washington University Physicians, among the nation’s largest academic clinical practices. In this major administrative role, he advises 1,361 physicians in patient safety, patient satisfaction and other issues. Bhayani, the Holekamp Family Endowed Chair in Urology, says the department gave him the foundation to achieve as a leader, including his work to improve access to health care in St. Louis.