New research from Jackson Physician Search and Kirby Bates Associates highlights how shared leadership models are shaping clinical outcomes—and where they can evolve to meet workforce and financial challenges

As healthcare organizations continue to face mounting pressure from workforce shortages, shrinking margins, and rising complexity, a new industry pulse survey from leading healthcare physician and executive search firms sheds light on an emerging leadership model gaining traction across hospitals and health systems: triad leadership.

Commissioned by Jackson Physician Search and Kirby Bates Associates, the report, Stronger Together: Leveraging Triad Leadership for Healthcare’s Biggest Challenges, examines how leadership structures that bring administrators, physician leaders, and nurse executives together as equal partners are performing in today’s healthcare environment. Based on responses from 179 healthcare C-suite leaders, the survey offers a timely snapshot of how triad leadership models are being used, where they excel, and what gaps remain.

Shared Leadership Models Are Common and Largely Valued

The survey found that 90% of respondents have experience with dyad or triad leadership models, signaling a shift away from more traditional, siloed executive structures. Seven in 10 healthcare leaders view these models as essential or strong when implemented intentionally, underscoring growing confidence in collaborative leadership.

“Healthcare problems today are deeply interconnected, and it makes sense that clinical, operational, financial, and workforce issues can’t be solved in isolation,” said Helen Falkner, president of Jackson Physician Search, a leading physician and physician executive recruiting firm. “Physician executives report real momentum toward shared leadership models, particularly triads, because they create space for better-informed decisions that ultimately affect patient care and physician engagement.”

Strong Clinical Impact, Mixed Results Elsewhere

Respondents rated triad leadership as most effective in areas closely tied to patient care, including:

• Clinical outcomes – rated by respondents as 8+ out of 10 in terms of effectiveness.
• Patient safety and quality – rated by respondents as 8+ out of 10 in terms of effectiveness.
• Achievement of defined performance goals – rated nearly 8 out of 10 by respondents for effectiveness.

While workforce and financial challenges were cited as the most significant organizational challenges, triads were perceived as less effective in addressing those areas.

“This paradox is one of the most important findings in the research,” added Melissa A. Fitzpatrick, MSN, RN, FAAN, president of Kirby Bates Associates, a leading healthcare executive search firm. “When nurse leaders are fully integrated into executive decision-making, care delivery and quality improve. This data underscores that structure alone isn’t enough. Triads must be intentionally designed, supported, and empowered if they’re going to influence workforce sustainability and financial resilience.”

Notably, survey respondents emphasized that barriers to triad success stem less from the model itself and more from organizational culture and execution. Key obstacles included hierarchical decision-making, power dynamics between disciplines, lack of psychological safety, role confusion, and competing priorities.

A Starting Point for C-Suite Dialogue

Rather than prescribing a one-size-fits-all solution, the report is designed to open a conversation about leadership design, executive alignment, and talent selection at the highest levels of healthcare organizations.

The full Stronger Together: Leveraging Triad Leadership for Healthcare’s Biggest Challenges report includes insights into common barriers, success factors, and practical guidance drawn from a high-functioning triad.

About Jackson Physician Search

Jackson Physician Search is an established industry leader in physician recruitment and pioneered the recruitment methodologies standard in the industry today. The firm specializes in the permanent recruitment of physicians, physician executives and advanced practice providers for hospitals, health systems, academic medical centers and medical groups across the United States. Headquartered in Alpharetta, Ga., the company is recognized for its track record of results built on client trust and transparency of processes and fees. Jackson Physician Search is part of the Jackson Healthcare^® family of companies. For more information, visit www.jacksonphysiciansearch.com.

About Kirby Bates Associates

Kirby Bates Associates is a national healthcare leadership solutions firm delivering high-impact executive and nursing talent—fast. Specializing in executive search, interim leadership, and executive advisory solutions, the firm partners with hospitals, health systems, and investor-backed healthcare organizations navigating complex clinical, operational, and financial challenges. With deep experience across the C-suite, the firm brings a practitioner-informed perspective grounded in real-world healthcare leadership. These insights enable Kirby Bates Associates to develop tailored, inclusive leadership solutions that support long-term organizational success. Kirby Bates Associates is part of the Jackson Healthcare^® family of companies. Learn more at https://kirbybates.com.

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