For nearly two decades, Dr. Robert Wachter, 57, associate chairman of the department of medicine at University of California San Francisco, has tackled topics that challenge the status quo. “To me, that's part of the gig,” he said.

Learn more about the career paths and achievements that led this year's honorees to be voted into the ranks of the most influential physician leaders in healthcare.

To determine the 11th annual ranking of the 50 Most Influential Physician Executives and Leaders, Modern Healthcare began accepting nominations on Nov. 3, 2014.