The purpose of the Bryan Institute Physician Leadership is to develop physicians to ascend to levels of influence and impact within their organization and effectively lead in the emerging role of the physician of the future. Physician leadership demands a unique and sophisticated level of skill and competency that has not been addressed or presented for those aspiring to the expanding role of physician-led direction and design mandated in the transformation of health care across the nation. 

The Bryan Institute will address both the clinical and the academic career paths of physician leadership enabling participants to glean experience and expertise across the continuum.  

This website is designed to connect people of a like-mind and similar training and provide resources to promote and develop healthy physician leaders. We are physicians-to-be, physician leaders, and partners in healthcare using the Summit and a pool of resources to support one another as we lead healthcare.

Dr. William E. Bryan, better known by his colleagues as Bill, was truly a force to be reckoned with in the field of education. His passion served to improve the quality and standard of education in every field he was employed. This passion even inspired him to start his own consulting firm, Bryan Consulting Services Inc.; and with a little wit and a lot of wisdom became one of the most sough-after consultants in the state.

Shortly into his years as a consultant, Bill was contacted by his colleague Dr. Ben Cohen of Western University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine in Pomona, California, and presented with a challenge. The challenge for Bill was to determine the feasibility of opening a new osteopathic medical school in the city of Lebanon, Oregon.

Bill accepted the challenge without hesitation and began surveying every business and civic club across the city of Lebanon and surrounding areas. He became involved in city’s Optimists’ Club, attended Chamber of Commerce meetings, and even became personal friends with then Mayor Tombs and other important city officials. He also established a lifelong partnership with the CEO of the local Samaritan Hospital, who graciously provided the site to which the budding medical school would be erected.

With the proposed groundwork for the medical school already underway, Bill then organized a statewide fundraising campaign to cover the cost of building maintenance and construction. And with his growing knowledge and interest in the osteopathic medical profession, he took it upon himself to contact individual DOs to serve as potential donors to assist in the fundraising process.

With construction of the campus completed, Bill then assumed the responsibility of selecting the Dean of Students for the new school. Once Dr. Paula Crone was selected as Dean, the rest of the hiring process went underway. Bill’s wisdom and advice were prominent pillars of support for Dean Crone as she conducted interviews of potential candidates to serve as faculty to the school.

Then in 2011, Bill Bryan, Dean Crone, and staff opened Western University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific Northwest (COMP-NW) and welcomed the Class of 2015. This was the first medical school in the State of Oregon in over one hundred years.

Dr. William E. Bryan played a key role in bringing this medical school to life, and thanks to his untiring efforts, the medical school has thrived and has been warmly received by the people in the city of Lebanon and surrounding countryside. Bill’s humor, wisdom, and self-effacing personality made him a friend to many. He was first, last, and always a teacher who mentored everyone who knew him. It is a privilege to continue his legacy through the Brian Institute of Physician Leadership Program. He will be greatly missed.