There is a growing body of evidence linking leadership and patient outcome including mortality. There is also evidence demonstrating the importance of medical leadership to the delivery of high-quality care at an organisational level. This contrasts with a lack of structure for medical leadership careers or medical leadership development and, until recently, the lack of standards to guide individuals and organisations. The UK medical royal colleges and the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges began to address this by the establishment of the new Faculty of Medical Leadership and Management in 2011. The first standards are now published and a range of other activities aimed at improving medical leadership are underway. In parallel with this professionalising of medical leadership, the profession needs to recognise its value, encourage skills development alongside clinical training and play its role in leadership at all levels to leverage the maximum benefits for patients.