Stanford Leadership Development Program

Participants in the Stanford Leadership Development Program, jointly sponsored by the School of Medicine and Stanford Hospital & Clinics, learn the skills required to lead small divisions, sections or teams within an academic medical center. The program goal is to develop the leaders needed to implement institutional strategies and meet future challenges in academic medicine.

Leadership Projects

With the help of a coach, participants design and implement a three-month team project to improve operations or create or improve programs in the school or hospital. Previous projects have included business planning, clinical process improvement, new curriculum development and creation of interdisciplinary research programs.

Leadership Training

Physicians participate in six day-and-a-half long meetings during the year in which they receive instruction on topics including leadership, finances, human resources and diversity. The curriculum includes affecting change, team dynamics, project management, negotiation, influence without authority, developing diversity, managerial accounting, an overview of the school and hospital, and dealing with difficult conversations.

Selection Process

The Stanford Leadership Development Program is designed to include 25-30 participants each year. The program is open to all ranks in all faculty lines. Selection for the program begins with being nominated by a senior leader in the SoM or SHC.  Candidates are ranked on their demonstrated commitment to building diversity, current leadership activities and potential for growth as a leader. Particular effort is made to ensure diversity within each cohort. See the Office of Diversity & Leadership website for more information.