In this episode of the Clinicians in Leadership podcast, Zach from the American Journal of Health Care Strategy interviews Dr. Jonathan Willms, Chief Medical Officer at Sun Life Health in Arizona. Dr. Willms shares his journey from being an OBGYN to becoming a CMO, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a patient-centered approach while balancing clinical and administrative responsibilities. He discusses the value of direct patient care in informing leadership decisions, the significance of active engagement with communities, and the continuous improvement cycle in healthcare. Dr. Willms also addresses the challenge of aligning financial pressures with clinical priorities and highlights the role of relational engagement in resolving these tensions. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction 00:39 Dr. Jonathan Willms' Career Journey 02:12 Balancing Clinical and Administrative Roles 05:07 Maintaining Patient-Centered Care 08:56 Impact of Long-Term Service in One Organization 12:31 Staying Connected to the Community 16:16 Evaluating and Implementing Clinical Initiatives 22:47 Navigating Financial and Clinical Tensions 26:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts