Reflections From ELAM Graduates

Promoting Leadership Opportunities for Women at OHSU

• Reflections From Amanda Clark, MD
• Reflections From Joanna Cain, MD

Reflections From Amanda Clark, MD

ELAM was one of the most intense and stimulating learning experiences that I’ve ever had, and I highly recommend it for any women faculty who currently hold or are considering a position as Division Chief, Department Chair, or a senior administrator in the SOM, SOD, or University.
The course is specifically designed for women in the senior levels of academic medicine. The course provides information about the critical issues facing academic health centers at the national level, and provides opportunity for each fellow to view their own institution from a national perspective. Teaching of financial management skills is directed to the unique aspects of academics. Conflict management, job searches, diversity in the workplace, communication skills, and use of information technology are few highlights of the extensive curriculum.

Approximately 40 women meet in Philadelphia for 7 days in September and 10 days in April. Between the two sessions, there is “homework,” research directed toward understanding one’s home institution. In addition, fellows are asked to choose a large institutional project that is mentored by the dean, or his/her representative. In April, the deans attend with the fellows, and ELAM provides a “guided and enhanced” mentoring experience for the fellow and dean.

Most of the teaching is “hands on” in small group sessions, with extensive involvement of many excellent faculty. Networking with other ELAM fellows is facilitated, to help alleviate the isolation that often accompanies leadership positions. Personal leadership skills are developed using leadership development tools and extensive personal coaching. Many opportunities are provided to meet with women leaders in many positions and share their stories of both tribulation and success.

If you are considering ELAM, plan for a big time commitment, a lot of hard work, and a very rewarding experience.

Amanda Clark MD
Division Chief of Research
Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery

Reflections From Joanna Cain, MD

I was in the inaugural class for ELAM and clearly benefited from the experience. The main benefits were not so clearly the time spent at ELAM, but the time spent within the two institutions I was in (I changed in the middle of the program) with the CFO, Dean, and others that was required in the program. Both the depth of understanding of University finances and the networking locally and nationally were significant and served me well in moving forward as a chair and center director.

Joanna Cain, MD
Professor and Chair, OB/GYN
Director, Center for Women’s Health