professionalizing healthcare management: a descriptive case study

Despite international recognition of the importance of healthcare management in the development of high-performing systems, the path by which countries may develop and sustain a professional healthcare management workforce has not been articulated. accordingly, we sought to identify a set of common themes in the establishment of a professional workforce of healthcare managers in low- and middle-income country (lmic) settings using a descriptive case study approach. we draw on a historical analysis of the development of this profession in the united states and ethiopia to identify five common themes in the professionalization of healthcare management: (1) a country context in which healthcare management is demanded; (2) a national framework that elevates a professional management role; (3) standards for healthcare management, and a monitoring function to promote adherence to standards; (4) a graduate-level educational path to ensure a pipeline of well-prepared healthcare managers; and (5) professional associations to sustain and advance the field. these five components can to inform the creation of a long-term national strategy for the development of a professional cadre of heathcare managers in lmic settings.