Associate dean accepted into elite leadership program

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Posted May 27, 2010

By Kyle Glennie

Dr. Joanne Todesco has been accepted into the Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine program.It’s a prestigious group of women who are chosen each year.  As North America’s only in-depth program focused on preparing senior women faculty at schools of medicine for institutional leadership positions, the Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine (ELAM) program develops the professional and personal skills required to lead and manage in a complex health care environment. But for Joanne Todesco, associate dean of Post Graduate Medical Education (PGME) at the Faculty of Medicine, she stands alone for one very impressive reason: she’s the only Canadian to be accepted into the program this year.

“Few people get this kind of opportunity to develop their leadership and administrative skills while serving as an Associate Dean,” says Todesco. “I’m very appreciative for the vote of confidence from my Faculty and University, and for the recognition by the ELAM program.”

Hosted by Drexel University in Philadelphia, ELAM’s mission is to increase the number of women in senior academic leadership positions and to help change the culture of academic health organizations in becoming more accepting of different perspectives and more responsive to societal needs and expectations. Some 20% of its 623 graduates currently serve in the highest-level leadership ranks, from associate dean through university president.  

“This year will definitely be a busy one, but I have a pretty high capacity for work, especially with the support of the incredible people who work in the PGME office and our residency programs.”

The ELAM curriculum adapts lessons in executive management and institutional leadership, such as strategic finance, organizational dynamics, and personal and professional effectiveness. The work begins in May with online assignments and community building activities that continue through the end of the program in April 2011.

While the curriculum promises to challenge Todesco, she does have some colleagues who know what she’s in for.  Kamala Patel, PhD, a professor in the Departments of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Physiology and Pharmacology, and Dr. Rose Goldstein, vice-president of Research at the University of Calgary, are both ELAM graduates.  Goldstein has already shown her support for Todesco–her office has agreed to provide $10,000 to help pay for the program.

“The financial support for tuition confirms that the university is serious about nurturing its own leadership. I feel honored to be the third UCalgary ELAM fellow, but the real goal is to make sure there are many more to follow.”