Academic health centres: managing the transition from good to great

Academic health centres (AHCs) bring signifi- cant economic and health benefits to a community. This study focuses on four integrated AHCs in the USA. They are described as the 'traditional great' or 'transformational great', where a number of common characteristics have been identified on how these organisations have demon- strated superior performance over time. The conceptual framework of 'good to great' provides a structure to explore key factors that support enhanced performance.