FINAL LEAD LOGO (2)

APPD LEAD is a nationally recognized program that provides a unique opportunity for pediatric academic leaders in medical education to engage and learn from seasoned program directors, pediatric educators, and other national leaders in pediatrics.

The LEAD curriculum focuses on organizational leadership, competency-based curriculum development, faculty development, residency and fellowship program administration, scholarship and career development. The curriculum is paced over three educational conferences, with additional group activities, readings and project work expected between conferences.

APPD Leadership in Educational Academic Development (APPD LEAD) Cohort 12 application system is       now open

APPD LEAD is an approximately nine-month educational program that provides outstanding training for educators aspiring to develop the knowledge and skills needed to advance leadership skills in medical education.

  • Three educational conferences
  • Curriculum focusing on organizational leadership, competency-based curriculum development, faculty development, residency and fellowship program administration and scholarship and career development
  • Nationally recognized faculty with significant experience in program leadership and medical education
  • Peer group activities and support
  • A mentored educational project
  • Certificate given at the completion of all program-required elements

Prerequisites for Participation

  • Member of APPD
  • Minimum three years of educational leadership experience as Program Director, Associate Program Director, Fellowship Director, Associate Fellowship Director, Clerkship Director
  • LEAD year should not overlap with being in first year of new leadership role
  • Commitment of Department Chair for $6,500 program fee, travel expenses, and time to attend meetings and complete assignments
  • Commitment of applicant to attend all meetings, complete between meeting assignments, participate in between meeting email discussions and team conference calls, and develop and implement a mentored educational project

The application process is web-based and requests:

  • Applicant contact information
  • Description of educational role(s)
  • Personal Statement addressing career goals in medical education and how participation in APPD LEAD could help meet those goals
  • Statement of commitment to participate actively and complete the program
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Statement of Support from Chair of department
  • Letter of recommendation from a more senior individual involved in medical education at your institution

Get more information.

For further information, send an email to LEAD@appd.org.

A truly wonderful and transformative experience that made me feel more deeply connected to the organization, mentors, peers, and myself. Can’t thank APPD and the council enough for the enormous time and energy they put into making each year a remarkable experience that builds on itself and culminates in a tested and exceptional curriculum.

Catherine Michelson, MD, MMSc (Cohort 6)

I consider my time in the APPD Lead program as an important milestone in my career. The faculty is absolutely top notch and the content is not only important to this stage of my career, but so sparsely taught in the medical field. Meeting other cohort members who share my interests or may be in my same predicaments was a highlight of my time. Through APPD I’ve now built friendships with colleagues across the country with whom I now have a precedent of trust and collaboration. In addition, participation in APPD Lead has shown leadership in my own institution my passion and commitment to medical education and marked me as a local leader the field.

Howard Hsu, MD (Cohort 6)

I am really grateful that I had the opportunity to participate in the APPD LEAD program. This opportunity arose just at the time I was ready to move my career in medical education forward, but I didn’t have the necessary tools. Through the APPD LEAD program, I learned about research in medical education, program and curriculum development and evaluation, leadership and management. But even better, I met a great group of people who will be lifelong colleagues and friends. Thanks so much for this opportunity.

Jennifer Barker, MD (Cohort 6)

I treasured my time as a participant in APPD LEAD. The faculty are all highly skilled, highly experienced, personable mentors and coaches who brought their varied real world expertise (and humor) to each session and conversation. They created a safe, trusting, challenging at times, and fun learning environment in which we could take a deep look at ourselves as leaders and scholars. The curriculum was really well developed and flowed seamlessly. I learned more in this course about myself than in any other faculty development course.

Sarah Hilgenberg, MD (Cohort 6)

Participating in LEAD was a wonderful experience. It was invigorating personally and professionally and helped me re-engage as a fellowship program director. Even better, as I move into a new role as residency program director, I feel better prepared and assured that I have a wonderful group of colleagues who will give me support and advice anytime I need it!

Megan McCabe, MD (Cohort 5)

APPD LEAD Council

Headshot of Rebecca Swan

Rebecca R. Swan, MD

Chair (2019 - 2024)
Director, Vanderbilt Pediatric Residency Program
Monroe Carell Jr. Children's at Vanderbilt
2200 Children's Way, 8160 DOT
Nashville, TN 37232-9760
Headshot of Marsha Anderson

Marsha Anderson, MD

(2017 - 2024)
Associate Program Director
University of Colorado/Residency Program
13123 E. 16th Ave, Med Educ B015
Aurora, CO 80045
Headshot of Bruce Herman

Bruce Herman, MD

(2019 - 2026)
Program Director
University of Utah Pediatric Residency Program
81 N. Mario Capecchi Drive
Salt Lake City, UT 84113

Alisa McQueen, MD

(2022-2025)
Program Director
University of Chicago Medicine
1710 S. Indiana Avenue
Chicago, IL 60616
Headshot of Richard Mink

Richard Mink, MD, MACM

(2018 - 2025)
Director, Pediatric Critical Care Fellowship
Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Pediatric Critical Care Division
1000 W. Carson Street, Box 491
Torrance, CA 90509-2910
Headshot of Robert Vinci

Robert J. Vinci, MD

(2017 - 2024)
Chair, Department of Pediatrics
Boston Medical Center
771 Albany St, Dowling 3 S, Rm 3509
Boston, MA 02118
Headshot of Ingrid Walker-Descartes
Program Director
Maimonides Infants & Childrens’ Hospital of Brooklyn
4802 Tenth Ave, Dept of Peds
Brooklyn, NY 11207