Senior Leadership Development Program

Strengthening Leadership Across Osteopathic Medical Education

The SLDP is a practice-based leadership journey designed for future deans, department chairs, and senior administrators across Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (COMs). Through small, interactive cohorts and individualized mentorship from experienced COM deans, participants build a national network and develop critical leadership competencies.

The 2026–2027 program unfolds across three phases – Lead Self, Lead Organizations and Lead Systems.  It combines in-person sessions, live webinars, and on-demand resources. Fellows engage in peer group capstone projects addressing real-world challenges in osteopathic medical education, create a Career Development Plan, and present their work at Educating Leaders, AACOM’s Annual Conference.

The program strengthens leadership development across the continuum, from self-awareness and interpersonal effectiveness to organizational and systems leadership, through an integrated, three-phase curriculum, capstone work, and individualized mentorship.

By the end of the Senior Leadership Development Program, participants will be able to:

• Manage conflict and negotiate successfully
• Enhance learning and deliver effective feedback in OME
• Recruit, develop, and retain outstanding faculty
• Lead organizational change and drive innovation
• Develop strategic plans and make informed resource decisions.

View all SLDP Cohorts and Mentors

“The best word I can use to summarize my SLDP experience is “Inspirational.” I left every session feeling absolutely inspired by the speakers, mentors, collaboration with peers, and network with COM Deans and SLDP Alumni. I’m leaving this experience motivated to continue my journey to lead with purpose and help shape the future of osteopathic medical education.”     

Joy Zarandy, DO, FAAFP; PCOM Georgia, Assistant Dean of Clinical Education

Group photo: 2025-26 SLDP Cohort

What is the Capstone?

Fellows collaborate in peer groups to develop a Capstone Project that addresses real-world challenges in osteopathic medical education. Introduced early in the program and developed across all phases, the capstone reinforces applied learning and leadership practice. Projects are presented as posters at Educating Leaders, AACOM’s Annual Conference, to showcase innovative solutions to the broader osteopathic medical education community.

“As the newly appointed Associate Dean, Preclinical Sciences, I have acquired invaluable knowledge that will empower me to elevate our curriculum beyond all expectations. The importance of leadership tools provided has been instrumental in shaping my approach and ensuring a successful trajectory for our academic programs.”     

Dr. Amanda Parker, Associate Dean, Preclinical Sciences, William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine

General Timeframe

The SLDP spans ten months and includes a blend of in-person, virtual, and on-demand learning. The program features 5.5 days of onsite sessions, virtual learning experiences, and additional peer group collaboration throughout the program. 

• July TBD, Virtual Orientation
• August TBD, Atlanta, GA  
• September-October, virtual
• November 16-17, Scottsdale, AZ
• January TBD, webinar
• February TBD, webinar
• March TBD, webinar
• April 13, Philadelphia, PA 

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Becoming an SLDP Fellow

Participation in AACOM’s Senior Leadership Development Program (SLDP) begins with a nomination from the main campus dean of a College of Osteopathic Medicine (COM). Once nominated, individuals will receive an application form to complete the enrollment process.

Ideal candidates for the SLDP include department chairs, assistant or associate deans, program directors, or faculty members who have demonstrated leadership potential and a commitment to advancing osteopathic medical education.

There is no tuition for the 2026–2027 SLDP; however, participants are responsible for covering their own travel expenses for in-person sessions.

Individuals interested in participating are encouraged to contact their main campus dean regarding nomination; Main campus deans may nominate candidates from any campus location using the nomination form below.

SLDP Nomination Form

For questions, please contact Learningsupport@aacom.org

“This program allowed me to improve on my current leadership skills, meet colleagues that had [the] same goals and objectives in wanting to improve and enhance medical education. The advisors/mentors were excellent in helping with my growth as a leader. This program was so worth it.”     

John T. Pham, DO, dean and chief academic officer, UIWSOM