Machine generated contents note: 1.An introduction to medical leadership and a perspective on this text -- 2.Doctors and managers: differing perspectives -- 3.Roles and models of leadership -- 4.Health system reform and the role of medical leaders -- 5.A historical perspective on medical leadership -- 6.An international overview: approaches to medical leadership in various systems -- 7.Why does it matter? Medical engagement and organisational performance -- 8.The development of the Medical Leadership Competency Framework -- 9.Practical examples of initiatives to embed leadership development -- 10.Medical leadership: towards cultural acceptance and the future