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General Overview

About

What is the UVA Health Leadership Institute (HLI)?

The UVA Health Leadership Institute is a new program dedicated to providing lifelong learning opportunities for UVA Health team members to grow their leadership skills. The institute will serve team members at different phases of their careers, from across all health system entities, with in-person and online learning options. In doing so, the HLI will bolster our culture of fostering mentorship, advancing career development, and growing leaders from within the institution. 

How is the HLI different from existing leadership programs in the health system and across the University?

HLI is unique in its focus on leadership in healthcare settings, as well as its draw of leaders from all facets of the health system, developing leaders from across all departments and entities. It will augment and complement existing programs such as Cornerstone (university-wide, no healthcare focus) and Leaders in Academic Medicine (training faculty to lead in academic settings). 

Why do we need a leadership institute?

Feedback gathered during the strategic planning process and the 2022 Employee Engagement Survey reflected broad and consistent desire for increased leadership development opportunities from team members across the health system. The UVA Health Leadership Institute (HLI) was founded to answer this call and serve as a key driver in achieving our strategic goal to make UVA Health the best place to work. 

Team member participants benefit from the opportunity to grow and develop their leadership skills, positioning them for advancement in their respective careers. What’s more, by creating a pipeline of exceptionally trained leaders, we expect to enhance the UVA Health experience of all team members. 

By offering innovative opportunities for leadership development, we can also enhance our ability to attract and retain team members.

Who is leading the HLI?

The HLI was founded under the auspices of the UVA Health Strategic Plan and CEO K. Craig Kent, MD, and UVA Health Chief Strategy Officer Jason Lineen, MBA. Lineen serves as executive sponsor, while Brian Hunter, MHA, serves as executive director of the leadership institute, and as a director of system strategy for UVA Health. Hunter oversees program building, implementation, and ongoing development of the institute. C. Michael Valentine, MD, is the senior director of the institute, and regularly leads sessions in the curriculum. A cardiologist by training, Dr. Valentine has demonstrated passion for leadership development, pioneering his own leadership program within the American College of Cardiology. Senior Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Faculty Development at UVA School of Medicine Sue Pollart, MD, and Chief Administrative Officer of UVA Health University Medical Center Abdi Somo, MBA, serve as champions and key stakeholders. The HLI also is supported by an advisory council composed of experts from across the University.

Candidacy & Curriculum

Who is the ideal candidate for the cohort starting this fall?

The cohort is geared toward mid-career team members who have demonstrated above-average leadership potential. The ideal candidate has worked five or more years (in any role, at UVA Health or elsewhere), is considered a leader or emerging leader, and is invested in their career at UVA Health. They may already hold a leadership position or be striving to attain one in the near future. Team members from all departments and from all seven health system entities are eligible.

The HLI is committed to forming diverse cohorts that are representative of the communities in which we operate.

What if I have more than 5-10 years of experience? 

If a candidate has more than 5 years of experience but feels they are mid-career as it relates to their leadership goals, they may apply. 

What can participants expect to get out of the program?

Participants in the leadership cohort can expect to:

• Learn from leading experts on a variety of leadership topics, including healthcare-specific issues.
• Gain skills that enable a pathway to future leadership opportunities at UVA Health.
• Build relationships with senior leaders and a cohort of peers from across the organization.
• Gain greater exposure to health system operations.

What will the curriculum cover?

Participants will learn from leading experts on a variety of leadership issues. Tentative topics include:

• The Business of Academic Healthcare
• Leadership Styles and Reflected Best Self
• Communication, Conflict Management, and Crucial Conversations
• Influence and Change Management for Teams
• Change Leadership
• Strategic Planning
• Public Speaking and Effective Presentations

Participants will also complete a capstone project, to be presented at the final class meeting and celebration. 

What is the time commitment to participate in this program?

The tentative schedule for the cohort has participants meeting monthly for eight months, starting in October 2024 through May 2025. The first and last convenings will be a full day and the remaining sessions will be half days (tentative schedule below). There will be some modest time required for reading outside of class time. Time commitment for the capstone project will vary depending on the group and topic selected, but again, the outside investment of time should be modest.

Tentative Cohort Schedule (subject to change):

• Oct.16, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Nov. 20, 11-5 p.m.
• Dec. 18, 11-5 p.m.
• Jan. 15, 11-5 p.m.
• Feb. 19, 11-5 p.m.
• Mar. 19, 11-5 p.m.
• Apr. 16, 11-5 p.m.
• May 21, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. 

Can I participate remotely? Will I need to travel?

We expect that this cohort will meet in person, in Charlottesville. If you apply and are selected, you are expected to attend every session.

How much does this program cost?

There is no fee to participate in this program.

Application Process and Timeline

How do I apply for the cohort?

Applications may be completed online. The application requires a current CV/resume be submitted and the completion of several short essay questions. All applications must be accompanied by a letter of support from the team member’s supervisor. The application deadline for cohort three is Friday, Aug. 23, 2024.

What is the application timeline and how will participants be selected?

Applications are open and the deadline for submitting them is end of day Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. A committee composed of HLI Advisory Council Members from across UVA Health and the University will select the participants for the cohort. The selected cohort members will be notified by email in September. 

How many team members will be selected for the cohort? 

The cohort will be composed of 30-35 team members. We anticipate a high level of interest that will exceed available space, but please note that this is one of multiple offerings from the Leadership Institute and more will follow in 2025.

If I applied previously and was not selected, do I have to reapply for this cohort? 

Given the nature of the program and that subsequent cohorts may be aimed at different career paths or audiences, new applications are necessary for each opportunity. 

I have questions. Who can answer them? Please contact Brian Hunter, HLI Executive Director, with any questions.