The University of Utah Health (U of U Health) has proudly reaffirmed its commitment to advancing women in leadership positions after receiving national recognition at the Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine (ELAM) program’s 30th anniversary celebration.
The institution received the prestigious Institutional Award for the Advancement of Women in Medicine and the Sciences, highlighting its persistent dedication to fostering women’s participation in leadership development programs.
This commendation is not merely a badge of honor; it reflects the significant strides U of U Health has made in cultivating a supportive culture for women leaders in the medical and scientific fields.
U of U Health views this commitment to women’s leadership as an institutional priority rather than a peripheral concern.
To demonstrate this commitment, U of U Health has maintained a notably high acceptance rate into the ELAM program, consistently having multiple nominees accepted each year.
The ELAM program is designed for emerging women leaders, providing extensive resources for personal and professional growth through coaching, networking, and mentoring opportunities.
Graduates of the program occupy pivotal leadership roles across U of U Health, contributing to the institution’s strength and resilience.
Program participants, referred to as fellows, engage directly with high-level mentors, including the dean at the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine and the CEO of University of Utah Hospitals and Clinics.
This access to institutional mentors and advisors within the ELAM learning community is instrumental in helping fellows navigate internal challenges and outline strategies for their careers.
One of the core components of the fellowship experience is the design and implementation of an Institutional Action Plan (IAP), allowing participants to channel their learning into tangible contributions to their institution.
Christy Porucznik, PhD, MSPH, a fellow from the Class of 2025, shared her transformative experience with the ELAM program.
“The ELAM experience was transformative and I’m grateful to have participated this year,” Porucznik remarked.
She elaborated on the topics covered—from anti-racism to funds flow in academic medicine—and emphasized the importance of developing essential leadership skills such as negotiation and self-promotion.
Porucznik noted how the program provided a dedicated space for leadership development, allowing fellows to foster relationships and collaboration within their respective Learning Community groups.
In her esteemed role at U of U Health, Porucznik has an extensive record of contributions, including her tenure as former president of the Academic Senate and her recent appointment as vice dean for faculty for the School of Medicine.
Her prowess in navigating policies and processes greatly benefits faculty and leaders alike, providing clarity and a steady hand in difficult discussions.
Angie Fagerlin, PhD, who served as Porucznik’s project mentor, attested to her significant impact.
In addition to Porucznik, another Class of 2025 fellow, Courtney Scaife, MD, expressed enthusiasm for her participation in the ELAM-ELH program and the empowering experience it provided.
Scaife stated, “Participating in ELAM-ELH has been empowering. It has given me another opportunity to gain leadership experience in the world of academic medicine.”
She praised the program’s focus on real-world challenges, leadership skills development, and networking, which encouraged participants to think big and envision meaningful change.
Scaife underscored the crucial support the program offers to women leaders in academic medicine and how fostering a supportive environment helps address the unique challenges they face.
“Participants come away understanding the profound value of the connections and support fostered within the ELUM network,” Scaife articulated.
This network not only strengthens professional relationships but also enhances the skills and determination of women leaders within the academic community.
Dan Lundergan, MHA, Scaife’s project mentor, commented on her contributions to U of U Health, stating her knowledge of organizational strategies is invaluable in addressing complex issues.
Class of 2025 fellow Theresa Werner, MD, also found her time in the ELAM-ELH program transformative.
Werner expressed that the experience honed her understanding of the roles women play in healthcare leadership and contributed to her personal growth.
Through her journey in the program, she was able to engage in candid discussions and structured learning with a diverse cohort, gaining insights into the systemic barriers women often face and the unique strengths they contribute.
“The program reinforced the idea that diversity in leadership promotes equity, drives innovation, improves decision-making, and enhances organizational performance in complex healthcare environments,” she remarked.
Werner highlighted the importance of self-awareness and strategic thinking developed during the program, learning to align her leadership approach with her values and goals.
She emphasized how the skills acquired through leadership assessments and coaching have enabled her to mentor others effectively and advocate for inclusive policies.
Mary Beckerle, PhD, who serves as a project mentor for Werner, noted her remarkable ascension in the field—from oncology fellow to professor of internal medicine and deputy director at the Huntsman Cancer Institute.
Beckerle commended Werner for her ability to build teams that drive meaningful change and contribute significantly to clinical research.
Together, these women’s experiences encapsulate the essence of the ELAM program, which prioritizes developing female leaders equipped to tackle the complexities of the healthcare landscape.
The ELAM initiative at U of U Health represents a commitment not only to the individual growth of women leaders but also to enhancing the overall strength of the institution.
Through investing in programs that support equity and leadership development, U of U Health solidifies its role as a pioneering institution in addressing the challenges women face in medicine.
This dedication to fostering women leaders in healthcare is a testament to the progressive values that underpin U of U Health’s mission, further establishing the institution’s reputation as a leader in women’s advancement within the field.
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