Mastering the Middle Miles: AHA’s CPE on Physician Leadership for the Long Run In this Accelerating Physician Leader Impact episode, Chris DeRienzo, M.D.—Chief Physician Executive of the AHA and President of HRET—traces his path from bedside neonatology to national leadership. He reflects on mentors, allies, and especially sponsors who opened doors as his career shifted from academia’s ladder to health systems’ “jungle gym.” Chris shares how real transformation happens in the “middle miles”: start the flywheel, stack small wins, set a clear end vision, and anticipate “mile 17” when resolve and alignment are tested. He outlines a competency roadmap for physician leaders—closing knowledge, exposure, and experience gaps in finance, people leadership, and tech—and explains why operationalizing well-being (e.g., ambient listening) must be a primary design goal, not a byproduct. The conversation ends with a simple leadership credo: “Be good today and better tomorrow.” Practical, purpose-driven, and system-savvy, this episode equips physician executives to lead sustained change.

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