As the healthcare sector continues to face unprecedented change, from digital disruption to workforce challenges, it’s become more important than ever for effective, future-ready leadership in Practice Management. Miranda Grace, CEO of the Australian Association of Practice Management (AAPM), shares her insights on how the organisation is supporting the next generation of healthcare leaders through professional development, certification, and digital enablement.
The healthcare sector is undergoing a period of profound transformation. It is continuously evolving, primarily driven through the federal healthcare reform changes as well as technology advances, which are all playing a part in redefining how care is delivered and experienced. Amidst this, practices and their teams need to be agile and adopt changes to ensure strong and capable leadership within Practice Management remains.
As someone who has spent my career focused on supporting Practice Management team members in healthcare, I’m increasingly aware that leadership today looks very different than it did even a decade ago. Our future depends not only on clinical innovation, but on the ability of healthcare teams and leaders to adapt, evolve, and lead through change.
I’m proud that the Australian Association of Practice Management (AAPM) has long championed the development of healthcare leaders through career pathways, education, and a national community of supportive peers. Today, as many changes reshape various aspects of healthcare delivery, our role at AAPM in building the next generation of Practice Management team members continues to be an utmost priority.
Setting the next generation up for success
Developing the next wave of Practice Managers isn’t a nice to have, it really is a necessity. The healthcare sector is under pressure from federal healthcare reform changes, workforce shortages and growing patient expectations, to name just a few. On top of this, technology is changing how care is delivered and managed, from AI-powered tools and integrated software platforms to real-time data sharing across the patient journey.
To navigate these growing complexities, we must provide the tools for future leaders to go beyond traditional operational skills. They must be digitally literate, patient-focused, and equipped to lead teams through industry changes.
At AAPM, we recognise the need to ensure the next generation are setup for success with the continued and fast-paced change from the healthcare sector. That means developing career pathways that meet the evolving needs of Practice Managers, particularly as the digital shift accelerates.
Evolving Practice Management in a digitally focused world
Over the years, Practice Management has evolved to demand a broader and more integrated skillset. At AAPM we focus on eight core principles, including financial management, human resource management, planning and marketing, information management, risk management, governance and organisational dynamics, business and clinical operations, and professional responsibility. We also encourage fluency in digital tools and systems that enhance clinical care, streamline workflows and improve patient experience.
These tools include everything from AI-based scribing solutions to integrated booking platforms, patient engagement portals, and secure data management systems. Federal healthcare reform changes increasingly depend on practices being able to implement and adapt to these technologies with confidence.
This is where AAPM’s support network, resources and education programs become essential. Through our partnerships, certifications and practical toolkits, we help Practice Managers build the skills and knowledge needed to lead in this new environment.
One of the standout resources in this space is AAPM’s Digital Health Handbook. This is a dynamic readily available document we created that is designed to assist Practice Managers and their teams to understand the overall process of registration of their practice to the My Health Record system.
We’ve learned that digital transformations are only going to keep growing. Our Digital Handbook recognises that and supports managers to confidently take the lead, whether they’re selecting a new Practice Management system or navigating compliance requirements.
Preparing Practice Managers for success
At AAPM, we pride ourselves on providing members with the resources and certifications that prepare them to confidently step into more senior leadership roles, whether that’s leading multi-site practices, managing change initiatives or mentoring the next wave of professionals.
At the centre of this journey is our Certified Practice Manager (CPM) credential. This certification recognises a member’s years of experience and skill development as a Practice Manager.
The CPM isn’t just a tick-box qualification, it’s a signal to employers, peers and the broader health industry that a Practice Manager is capable of leading in today’s complex environment.
With access to webinars and training sessions through our Educare program as well as conferences and national awards, we help Practice Management team members build networks, share insights and contribute to the collective growth of the profession.
Adapting skills needed for leadership in healthcare
Whilst technology innovation is advancing, we must remind ourselves that the future of leadership in healthcare won’t be defined solely by this expertise. In fact, some of the most important capabilities are those that are hardest to teach, including resilience, empathy, adaptability, and the ability to inspire trust.
That said, we must continue to adapt. Leaders will be expected to make confident decisions about technology, policy and change management. They’ll also need to translate complex systems into workable and manageable processes for their teams. Most importantly, they’ll need to keep patient care at the centre to ensure they continue to deliver a better overall experience.
Continuing the conversation
Leadership in this space can be isolating at times. That’s why forums for connection and shared learning are so important. This year, we’re bringing together professionals from across two countries, as we combine Australia and New Zealand, at our 2025 AAPMAANZ Conference, from Tuesday 21 to Friday 24 October, at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. This year, we are offering a wide range of educational sessions, including both plenary and concurrent sessions. These sessions are delivered for Practice Managers at every stage of their healthcare management journey, and relevant to their speciality. We will also feature a concurrent stream specifically for New Zealand Practice Managers.
It’s a valuable opportunity not just for formal learning, but to connect with others navigating similar challenges. It’s an opportunity to share ideas, ask questions and challenge assumptions. Whether you’re a long-time leader or just stepping into the space, I’d encourage you to come along.
For more on the conference program or to register, visit: aapm.org.au/conference
Final thoughts
Healthcare is complex and the pace of change can sometimes feel relentless. But I’m consistently inspired by the people in this profession who show up every day to improve systems, support teams, and ultimately make things better for Australians receiving healthcare.
As we look to the future, the importance of investing in leadership, not just the titles, but people’s skills, values and visions, cannot be overlooked. I’m optimistic that with the right support, we can continue to help Practice Managers to not just to respond to change, but to shape it.
