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Indiana University School of Medicine
Indiana University School of Medicine
Faculty Affairs and Professional Development
PROGRAMS

Leadership Enrichment and Development (LEAD)

The Leadership Enrichment and Development (LEAD) program is a year-long program for leaders who wish to develop or enrich skills in developing culture, strategy, supervision and similar topics. 

Mary Dankoski, PhD, leads the opening session of the Leadership Enrichment and Development (LEAD) Program.
Mary Dankoski, PhD, executive associate dean for Faculty Affairs and Professional Development, speaks during the opening session of LEAD.

Learn more about the LEAD program

Through monthly workshop sessions — each focused on a professional development topic relevant to leaders — participants learn practical tips and strategies that allow them to:

  • Lead with purpose
  • Manage successful teams
  • Troubleshoot challenges
  • Access quality resources for leaders in academic medicine
  • Build supportive relationships with other leaders across the school

LEAD program participants are required to attend monthly sessions from February through December. Sessions are generally held on the Indianapolis campus on the third Monday of each month, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. ET.

Participants should plan to commit a small amount of time to reading materials before meeting times, on occasion.

2026 Program Dates

  • Feb. 16
  • March 16
  • April 20
  • May 18
  • June 15
  • July 20
  • Aug. 17
  • Sept. 21
  • Oct. 19
  • Nov. 16
  • Dec. 7

LEAD program curriculum includes the following topics (subject to change):

  • Fundraising
  • Supporting faculty across the lifecycle
  • Advancing the tripartite mission
  • Thriving as a leader
  • Strategic planning
  • Designing effective faculty development initiatives
  • Performance reviews
  • Recruitment
  • Conflict and negotiation
  • Culture of recognition and wellness
  • Communications and media relations

FAPD will award certificates of completion to participants who attend at least 75% of sessions and activities. 

How to participate

  • The LEAD program is intended for IU School of Medicine division chiefs, department chairs, vice chairs and directors (center, institute and department-level). 
  • Department chairs and division chiefs are asked to recommend leaders and emerging leaders for the program. 
  • There will be an open call for applications annually.

Applications

Applications will be open Oct. 1–31 each year. 

Participant selection

Faculty Affairs and Professional Development will review nominations and extend invitations to top applicants during November. 

Program timeline

The LEAD program series begins in February and ends in December.

Cohort size

Participation is limited to 25 faculty members per year to encourage optimal engagement.

Questions?

Reach out to Faculty Affairs and Professional Development.

More confident leaders, who feel a sense of support and have access to resources, are more successful. As such, providing this opportunity for chairs, vice chairs, division chiefs and other school leaders means that faculty and staff will engage with leaders who are better prepared to help them address challenges and seek opportunities for growth.

Megan Palmer, PhD

Senior Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Professional Development