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The Leadership Education and Development (LEAD) Program for women in GI is a  program offering female gastroenterologists of all backgrounds an opportunity to enhance and energize their leadership skills through education, coaching, and building professional networks.  The purpose of the LEAD program is to provide the knowledge and skills needed to enhance the path to leadership within academic or private practice medicine and within ¶¶Òô´ó¹Ï. Topics covered will range from strategic communication skills and negotiation practices, to management issues, public speaking, and conflict resolution/mediation skills.

Research has shown that women face particular challenges in the medical professional environment. The LEAD program will address women’s opportunities and challenges within the context of a gastroenterology career, and will help participants put effective, collaborative methods of leadership to work within their organizations and ¶¶Òô´ó¹Ï. Participants will focus on developing their own leadership skills and personal influence, as well as exploring strategies for goal development and advancement strategies.

Program Participants and Commitment

The LEAD program is open to female ¶¶Òô´ó¹Ï members and represents an investment by the Society in the development of diverse, junior, female gastroenterologists who are out of Fellowship (years 1-5 post-completion of all training: Clinical Instructor, Assistant Professor, or early in practice) with identified talent.  There will be a maximum of 15 participants who are identified with potential to move into leadership positions within their academic or private practice and ¶¶Òô´ó¹Ï. 

Timeline

The program will require commitment of time and energy. The program consists of webinars, face-to-face networking opportunities, and educational sessions. The following activities are scheduled, and attendance is mandatory for membership in LEAD.  

2026

2027

¶¶Òô´ó¹Ï will cover travel costs to attend the Leadership Retreat in Downers Grove, IL in June 2026, but participants will be expected to attend and fund their own travel and participation at the DDW Annual Meeting in May 2026. This leadership program represents a major investment in talent development for ¶¶Òô´ó¹Ï.

¶¶Òô´ó¹Ï Diversity Statement

¶¶Òô´ó¹Ï values and recognizes the importance of embracing diversity and its impact on strengthening our members’ ability to provide excellent care to all patient populations, regardless of their background. The Society is committed to enhancing diversity by educating and training culturally competent gastroenterologists, as well as providing leadership opportunities to all members regardless of gender, age, religion, racial/ethnic group, sexual orientation, and disability status.

Contact Christine Pondelicek at cpondelicek@asge.org with questions about ¶¶Òô´ó¹Ï's Leadership Education and Development Program.