14 Best Medical Leadership Books in 2025
These books offer invaluable insights into healthcare leadership, providing readers with knowledge on operations management, strategic planning, and financial management crucial for thriving in the rapidly evolving healthcare landscape.
Books like Strategic Planning in Healthcare by Brian C. Martin and Healthcare Finance by Louis C. Gapenski are essential reading for any medical leader.
These medical leadership books are a great way to learn from experts who have their finger on the pulse of the healthcare leadership and administration field. Here's a summary of each book and why it's worth reading.
14 Best Medical Leadership Books Shortlist
Here's a shortlist of the best medical leadership books I think are worth reading in 2025:
- Operations Management in Healthcare by Corinne M. Karuppan, Nancy E. Dunlap and Michael R. Waldrum
- Strategic Planning in Healthcare: An Introduction for Health Professionals by Brian C. Martin
- Principles of Healthcare Financial Management by Scott Lisbin
- The Healthcare Manager's Guide to Labor Relations by Scott B. Allan
- Introduction to Health Care Management by Sharon B. Buchbinder, Nancy H. Shanks, and Bobbie J. Kite
- Management of Healthcare Organizations: An Introduction by Peter C. Olden
- Healthcare Finance: An Introduction to Accounting and Financial Management by Louis C. Gapenski
- Healthcare Administration, Leadership, and Management (HALM): The Essentials by Daniel Handel
- Risk Management Handbook for Health Care Organizations by American Society for Healthcare Risk Management (ASHRM)
- Health Care Operations Management: A Systems Perspective by James R. Langabeer II and Jeffrey Helton
- Sustainability for Healthcare Management by Carrie R. Rich, J. Knox Singleton, and Seema S. Wadhwa
- Healthcare Information Management: Concepts, Principles, and Practice by Kathleen LaTour, Shirley Eichenwald Maki, and Pamela Oachs
- Umiker's Management Skills for the New Health Care Supervisor by Rachel Ellison
- Dunn & Haimann's Healthcare Management by Rose Dunn
Overview of the 14 Medical Leadership Books
1. Operations Management in Healthcare by Corinne M. Karuppan, Nancy E. Dunlap and Michael R. Waldrum
Summary:
Operations Management in Healthcare, Second Edition provides a thorough overview of operations management principles tailored to the healthcare sector, highlighting their impact on patient care and outcomes. This edition features updated case studies on topics like process improvement, supply chain management, and healthcare technology integration to address current industry challenges.
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What You'll Learn:
- The importance of efficient operations in delivering quality patient care.
- Strategies for process improvement and supply chain management.
- Integration of technology in healthcare operations.
- Updated case studies reflecting current industry trends and challenges.
- Strategic management practices and problem-solving skills.
Why You Should Read It:
This book is an essential read for healthcare professionals and students who wish to gain a deeper understanding of how effective operations management can lead to enhanced patient care and improved healthcare outcomes. It provides practical tools, vignettes, and resources that are invaluable for both students and instructors.
Quote From The Book:
"The integration of process improvement strategies in healthcare operations can significantly enhance patient care and streamline organizational efficiency."
About The Author:
Corinne M. Karuppan is Professor Emerita at Missouri State University, specializing in healthcare operations and quality. Nancy E. Dunlap is Professor Emerita of Medicine and a former medical school dean with expertise in public health policy. Michael R. Waldrum is CEO of Vidant Health and an expert in critical care and academic health system leadership.
- Connect with Corinne M. Karuppan on LinkedIn.
- Engage with Nancy E. Dunlap on LinkedIn.
- Learn more about Michael R. Waldrum on his ECU Health site.
2. Strategic Planning in Healthcare: An Introduction for Health Professionals by Brian C. Martin
Summary:
Strategic Planning in Healthcare: An Introduction for Health Professionals offers a comprehensive guide to strategic planning processes tailored for the healthcare industry. It covers key topics like environmental analysis, stakeholder engagement, and strategy implementation, helping healthcare leaders enhance organizational effectiveness and improve patient outcomes through real-world examples and case studies.
What You'll Learn:
- Key methodologies and frameworks for strategic planning in healthcare.
- Techniques for conducting environmental analysis and stakeholder engagement.
- Strategies for implementing and evaluating strategic initiatives.
- Insights from real-world examples and case studies to facilitate understanding.
- Access to worksheets and downloadable resources for practical application.
Why You Should Read It:
This book serves as an invaluable resource for healthcare professionals and students seeking to understand and apply strategic planning principles within their organizations. It offers practical guidance and tools that are essential for enhancing organizational effectiveness and improving patient care outcomes.
Quote From The Book:
"Effective strategic planning in healthcare involves a comprehensive understanding of both the internal and external environments, allowing organizations to align their objectives with stakeholder needs and industry dynamics."
About The Author:
Brian C. Martin is an experienced strategic planner and educator with a focus on medical leadership. Connect with him on LinkedIn.
3. Principles of Healthcare Financial Management by Scott Lisbin
Summary:
Principles of Healthcare Financial Management is a practical resource that covers key topics like budgeting, financial reporting, and revenue cycle management to support effective financial decision-making in healthcare organizations. Structured into five chapters with technical appendices, the book applies LEAN Six Sigma principles to help professionals identify waste and improve financial performance.
What You'll Learn:
- Key concepts in budgeting, financial reporting, and revenue cycle management.
- Skills for effective financial decision-making in healthcare.
- The application of LEAN Six Sigma principles to enhance financial performance.
- Techniques for identifying and eliminating waste in healthcare delivery.
- Insights from structured chapters and technical appendices.
Why You Should Read It:
This book is essential for healthcare professionals who wish to gain a comprehensive understanding of financial management within healthcare organizations. It provides practical tools and strategies to enhance financial performance and improve organizational efficiency, making it a valuable resource for improving financial acumen.
Quote From The Book:
"The application of LEAN Six Sigma principles in healthcare financial management can significantly improve organizational efficiency by identifying and eliminating waste."
About The Author:
Scott Lisbin is an expert in healthcare financial management, focusing on improving organizational efficiency and performance. Follow him on LinkedIn.
4. The Healthcare Manager's Guide to Labor Relations by Scott B. Allan
Summary:
The Healthcare Manager's Guide to Labor Relations provides medical leadership with essential tools and insights to navigate labor relations and union dynamics effectively. Covering topics like labor law, collective bargaining, and conflict resolution, the book uses practical examples to help foster positive labor-management relationships in unionized settings.
What You'll Learn:
- Key aspects of labor law and collective bargaining in healthcare.
- Strategies for effective conflict resolution and negotiation with unions.
- Techniques for fostering positive labor-management relationships.
- Insights from practical examples and case studies.
- Guidance on managing challenges in unionized healthcare environments.
Why You Should Read It:
This book is a valuable resource for healthcare managers and HR professionals seeking to enhance their understanding of labor relations in the healthcare sector. It provides practical insights and strategies that are essential for managing union interactions and fostering a collaborative work environment, ultimately contributing to improved organizational performance.
Quote From The Book:
"Effective labor relations in healthcare require a balanced approach, emphasizing both legal compliance and the cultivation of positive relationships between management and unions."
About The Author:
Scott B. Allan is a labor-relations attorney (JD ’95) who helps healthcare employers navigate union negotiations and develop effective leadership in unionized environments. Explore his profile on LinkedIn.
5. Introduction to Health Care Management by Sharon B. Buchbinder, Nancy H. Shanks, and Bobbie J. Kite
Summary:
Introduction to Health Care Management provides foundational knowledge for students and professionals across various healthcare settings, including hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes. It emphasizes effective management's role in improving care quality and outcomes, using real-world examples, case studies, and exercises to support practical learning.
What You'll Learn:
- Key principles and practices of medical leadership.
- The role of management in various healthcare settings.
- Strategies for improving healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.
- Insights into ethical decision-making and strategic planning.
- Practical exercises and case studies for hands-on learning.
Why You Should Read It:
This book is an essential resource for students and professionals seeking a solid foundation in medical leadership. It provides practical insights and tools to help readers understand the complexities of managing healthcare organizations and improve their management skills.
Quote From The Book:
"Effective healthcare management requires a blend of strategic planning, ethical decision-making, and practical application to enhance the quality of care and patient satisfaction."
About The Author:
Sharon B. Buchbinder is a former dean and experienced healthcare educator with a background in nursing and research. Nancy H. Shanks is a retired health services researcher and professor emeritus in healthcare management. Bobbie J. Kite is an academic director at the University of Denver specializing in health informatics and public health.
- Connect with Sharon B. Buchbinder on LinkedIn.
- Learn more about Nancy H. Shanks on her Goodreads profile.
- Explore more about Bobbie J. Kite on the University of Denver website.
6. Management of Healthcare Organizations: An Introduction by Peter C. Olden
Summary:
Management of Healthcare Organizations: An Introduction takes a practical, integrated approach to key management functions—planning, organizing, leading, and controlling—across all types of healthcare organizations. It prepares future leaders to assess challenges and develop solutions confidently, supported by real-world examples and case studies.
What You'll Learn:
- Theoretical background and practical methods for medical leadership.
- Key management functions and their application in healthcare settings.
- Strategies for effective leadership and problem-solving.
- Hands-on exercises and case studies for practical understanding.
- Insights into the dynamic healthcare industry and its challenges.
Why You Should Read It:
This book is essential for aspiring medical leaders who wish to gain a thorough understanding of management principles and their application in healthcare organizations. It provides the necessary tools and knowledge to navigate the complexities of the healthcare industry and improve organizational performance.
Quote From The Book:
"Healthcare management requires a balanced approach that combines theoretical knowledge with practical application to effectively address the challenges of today's healthcare environment."
About The Author:
Peter C. Olden is a respected author and educator in healthcare management. Learn more about him on the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE) profile.
7. Healthcare Finance: An Introduction to Accounting and Financial Management by Louis C. Gapenski
Summary:
Healthcare Finance: An Introduction to Accounting and Financial Management offers a thorough overview of financial principles in the healthcare sector, covering topics like accounting, budgeting competencies, financial analysis, and decision-making. Aimed at both students and professionals, the book emphasizes practical applications and real-world scenarios to build effective resource management skills and enhance organizational performance.
What You'll Learn:
- Fundamental concepts of accounting and financial management in healthcare.
- Skills for financial analysis and budgeting.
- Techniques for effective financial decision-making.
- Practical applications of financial management principles in real-world healthcare settings.
- Updates on current issues such as health reform and value-based payment implications.
Why You Should Read It:
This book is a vital resource for healthcare professionals and students who wish to gain a thorough understanding of financial management within healthcare organizations. It provides the necessary tools and insights to navigate the complexities of healthcare finance, ensuring effective resource management and enhanced organizational performance.
Quote From The Book:
"Effective financial management in healthcare requires a deep understanding of both accounting principles and practical applications to improve organizational performance and patient care."
About The Author:
Louis C. Gapenski was a renowned author and educator in the field of healthcare finance. Explore more about him on his Goodreads profile.
8. Healthcare Administration, Leadership, and Management (HALM): The Essentials by Daniel Handel
Summary:
One of the best books on the foundations of healthcare administration with a focus on leadership and management in a complex and evolving healthcare environment. It combines academic theory with real-world insight, providing a broad yet concise overview of the skills required to lead health organizations effectively.
What You'll Learn:
- Core principles of healthcare leadership and strategic management
- Key regulatory and policy frameworks influencing healthcare operations
- Financial, operational, and clinical decision-making essentials
- How leadership impacts patient outcomes and organizational performance
Why You Should Read It:
Ideal for students and early-career professionals, this book distills critical leadership and administrative concepts into accessible insights, helping readers understand what it takes to thrive in a healthcare leadership role.
Quote From The Book:
“Healthcare leaders must not only understand the science of management, but also the art of motivating people within a system built on trust, ethics, and complexity.”
About The Author:
Daniel A. Handel, MD, MBA, MPH, is a physician executive and educator specializing in healthcare leadership, currently serving as VP and Chief Medical Officer at Atrium Health. Learn more about him on his Goodreads profile.
9. Risk Management Handbook for Health Care Organizations by American Society for Healthcare Risk Management (ASHRM)
Summary:
Compiled by the American Society for Healthcare Risk Management, this comprehensive handbook delivers critical guidance for identifying, analyzing, and mitigating risks in healthcare settings. It covers legal, ethical, financial, and clinical risk dimensions, making it an essential reference for healthcare professionals.
What You'll Learn:
- Risk assessment and mitigation strategies across healthcare domains
- Compliance frameworks including HIPAA, patient safety, and quality standards
- Litigation management and claims processes
- Enterprise risk management principles
Why You Should Read It:
This book is a trusted resource for providers, risk managers, administrators, and compliance officers who need to navigate the increasingly complex legal and regulatory landscape in healthcare.
Quote From The Book:
“Effective risk management is not just about avoiding liability—it's about fostering a culture of safety and accountability throughout the organization.”
About The Author:
ASHRM is a professional membership group of the American Hospital Association, dedicated to advancing safe and trusted healthcare through enterprise risk management. Visit their website for educational resources and industry updates.
10. Health Care Operations Management: A Systems Perspective by James R. Langabeer II and Jeffrey Helton
Summary:
This book examines healthcare operations through a systems thinking lens, focusing on optimizing efficiency, quality, teamwork, and value in health service delivery. It introduces frameworks and tools for leading change by integrating technology with clinical and administrative workflows for better health care outcomes.
What You'll Learn:
- Principles of systems thinking in healthcare environments
- Workflow analysis, capacity planning, and lean management
- Use of data analytics and modeling to drive operational improvements
- Strategic alignment of operations with patient-centered goals
Why You Should Read It:
Healthcare professionals looking to make data-driven, operational improvements will find this book invaluable, especially those responsible for improving care delivery processes in hospitals or health systems.
Quote From The Book:
“Operations management is the heartbeat of healthcare delivery—it determines how efficiently and effectively care is provided.”
About The Author:
James R. Langabeer II is a healthcare professor and researcher at UTHealth Houston, specializing in operations management, informatics, and emergency medicine decision science. Jeffrey Helton is an associate professor and former healthcare CFO with expertise in healthcare finance, fraud prevention, and organizational turnarounds.
- Connect with James R. Langabeer II on LinkedIn.
11. Sustainability for Healthcare Management by Carrie R. Rich, J. Knox Singleton, and Seema S. Wadhwa
Summary:
This book explores the intersection of healthcare leadership and environmental, financial, and social sustainability. It provides strategies and real-world examples for integrating sustainable practices into healthcare systems without compromising care quality or patient outcomes.
What You'll Learn:
- Principles of environmental and fiscal sustainability in healthcare
- Case studies demonstrating successful sustainable initiatives
- How leadership drives change toward greener healthcare delivery
- The business case for sustainability in health organizations
Why You Should Read It:
This book is essential for healthcare leaders and U.S. health care system policymakers aiming to align healthcare delivery with long-term sustainability goals. It also addresses strategies for meeting the evolving health needs of communities.
Quote From The Book:
“True sustainability in healthcare goes beyond energy efficiency—it demands a systemic shift in how we view resources, health equity, and long-term impact.”
About The Author:
Carrie R. Rich is a healthcare leader and author specializing in sustainability and social impact. J. Knox Singleton is a former health system CEO known for championing sustainable healthcare. Seema S. Wadhwa leads environmental stewardship efforts at Kaiser Permanente.
- Connect with Carrie R. Rich on LinkedIn.
- Learn more about J. Knox Singleton on Virginia Business website.
- Explore more about Seema S. Wadhwa on her LinkedIn profile.
12. Healthcare Information Management: Concepts, Principles, and Practice by Kathleen LaTour, Shirley Eichenwald Maki, and Pamela Oachs
Summary:
A comprehensive guide to the foundational concepts of health information management (HIM), this book covers the systems, practices, and standards essential for managing health data in today's digitized healthcare environment. It provides both academic and practical insights.
What You'll Learn:
- Core HIM functions including coding, data governance, and compliance
- Legal and ethical health care issues related to patient data
- Use of electronic health records (EHR) and health IT systems
- Healthcare data standards and interoperability challenges
Why You Should Read It:
Ideal for HIM students or professionals, this book provides a comprehensive overview of how health information is captured, managed, and protected. It covers both clinical and administrative settings to support well-rounded knowledge in the health administration and information technology fields.
Quote From The Book:
“In a data-driven healthcare system, information management becomes the backbone of quality, safety, and operational excellence.”
About The Author:
Kathleen LaTour chairs the Healthcare Informatics & Information Management program at St. Scholastica and contributes to AHIMA leadership. Shirley Eichenwald Maki is a professor and former AHIMA president with a focus on HIM education reform. Pamela Oachs directs the undergraduate HIM program at St. Scholastica and brings extensive experience in healthcare quality and IT.
- Visit Kathleen LaTour profile page on Goodreads.
- Explore more about Shirley Eichenwald Maki on her Goodreads profile.
- Connect with Pamela Oachs on LinkedIn.
13. Umiker's Management Skills for the New Health Care Supervisor by Rachel Ellison
Summary:
This practical guide on Amazon delivers actionable management tools for new or aspiring healthcare supervisors. Built on William Umiker’s original work, the book covers communication, decision-making, team building, and conflict resolution tailored specifically for health service settings.
What You'll Learn:
- Day-to-day supervisory responsibilities in healthcare
- How to manage teams, delegate tasks, and improve morale
- Practical problem-solving and decision-making strategies
- Legal and ethical considerations in supervisory roles
Why You Should Read It:
This is a must-read for frontline managers or those transitioning into supervisory roles in healthcare. It offers real-world scenarios and practical guidance on developing leadership skills from the ground up.
Quote From The Book:
“Supervision in healthcare is not just about giving orders—it's about earning respect, modeling accountability, and enabling team success.”
About The Author:
Rachel Ellison, PhD, is an associate professor and program director of Health Services Administration at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, with a background in healthcare finance and frontline supervision. Learn more about her on the University of Louisiana website.
14. Dunn & Haimann's Healthcare Management by Rose Dunn
Summary:
This comprehensive guide introduces the foundational functions of healthcare leadership, providing practical tools and real-world insights to help supervisors and managers succeed in today’s complex healthcare environments.
What You'll Learn:
- Key management functions: planning, organizing, staffing, influencing, and controlling
- Application of modern trends like AI, bundled payments, and data analytics in healthcare
- Strategies for leadership, team building, regulatory compliance, and quality improvement
Why You Should Read It:
This book blends theory with actionable guidance to help healthcare leaders enhance performance and adapt to change. It is ideal for both new and experienced leaders seeking to foster effective management in healthcare organizations.
Quote From The Book:
“A healthcare system will always be better positioned to grow and adapt if its managers have mastered the primary functions covered in this book.”
About The Author:
Rose Dunn is a healthcare executive, best-selling author, and former AHIMA president with decades of experience in consulting and hospital administration. Explore more about her work at MedLearn Media.
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