It is difficult to manage professionals such as doctors, who have a strong autonomy orientation and a relatively weak commitment to the organization. There is a great deal of conflict in the career transition from professional to managerial positions. In Japan, a physician who is well-trained and excellent is selected as the director, the top manager of the hospital. However, why do some physicians excel as top hospital managers while others do not, despite being equally good clinicians and having similar careers? We are now conducting empirical research on how physicians acquire management skills and leadership skills to become top managers in hospitals.