Doctor Bringing Global Leadership Lessons to NZ

SECTOR UPDATE - Payper

A New Zealand Doctor is sharing global insights as he works to assist the development of healthcare leadership in Aotearoa.

Dr Jonathan Hoogerbrug is the host of the podcast Clinical Changemakers, which explores how effective leadership can transform healthcare systems.

Hoogerbrug’s inspiration for the podcast came during his time at Stanford University, where he spent one year on a Harkness Fellowship.

“I had originally intended to focus my time at Stanford on digital health research,” said Dr. Hoogerbrug.

“However, after my first session of my mentor's Masters of Science and Management class, I realised how little I knew about leadership and how important it is within healthcare.” 

That prompted a change in direction, with the Aucklander shifting his research to organisational behaviour in healthcare, with a particular emphasis on clinical leadership.  

He’s now presenting his findings through the podcast, which includes interviews and practical insights from international experts, including healthcare leaders at The Mayo Clinic, Harvard, Microsoft, and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement. 

A recurring theme in Clinical Changemakers is that the challenges faced by New Zealand’s healthcare system including; workforce shortages, burnout, limited resources, and politicisation, are not unique. Dr Hoogerbrug says healthcare systems around the world face similar pressures but approach them in different ways.

“Our episodes showcase diverse leadership styles and innovative solutions that could be adapted to the New Zealand context or used to inspire our own approaches. 

“It’s become really clear to me that effective leadership transcends cultural boundaries while requiring local adaptation.”

Dr Hoogerbrug believes New Zealand is lagging behind other nations when it comes to investing in leadership development within the healthcare sector. 

“The US, Australia, and the UK have formal healthcare leadership programs that combine academic learning with practical training,” he says.

“In New Zealand, leadership often happens incidentally rather than intentionally. Clinicians are promoted based on clinical excellence without necessarily being equipped with leadership skills, coaching, or mentorship. This is an area we could really improve on and I’m advocating for change.”

Hoogerbrug hopes that by tuning in, listeners will reflect on their own leadership capabilities and take steps to develop their skills.

“Storytelling is a powerful vehicle for change,” he says. 

“There’s a huge amount we can learn in New Zealand from these international experts. By sharing leadership journeys and lessons, I’m hoping to drive change and empower New Zealand clinicians to thrive.”

Clinical Changemakers is available on major podcast platforms, providing New Zealand healthcare professionals with a new resource to enhance their leadership development.

Source: Payper media release

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