Book excerpt: Academic Health Science Centers are complex organizations with three principal functions: the education of the next generation of health professionals; the conduct of biomedical and clinical research that leads to new treatments and approaches to disease; and the delivery of comprehensive and advanced patient care. This is the first comprehensive book that describes in detail the knowledge and skill base necessary to successfully lead these complex organizations. Written by the world's leading authorities it combines the science of leadership, organizational structure, financial and personnel management, public relations and communications, trainee and student policy, community relations, and globalization. "This volume focuses on policy considerations that provide the foundation for AHSCs to thrive. While the legislation, challenges, and strategies will change over time, the need for strong policy to influence and guide organizational and individual behavior will not. AHSCs are complex organizations that must continue to evolve to face the multifactorial nature of health care problems. How they do so will depend to a great extent not only on having appropriate policies in place but also on their success in translating these policies into effective implementation." Andrew M. Ibrahim and M. Roy Wilson, in the Foreword