Background
Leaders of professional societies such as the ASPN need specific skills to be able to negotiate the complex tasks of program development, personnel supervision, and dealing with outside constituencies and other organizations. These skills are also applicable to many other aspects of academic medicine and are commonly acquired after years of experience, perhaps also by specific training, and/or through trial and error. We believe that it is possible to intentionally develop future leaders of our Society by offering formal leadership development activities. This program will not only assist the ASPN in development of future leaders, but will also provide participants important skills they will be able to utilize at their home institutions.
Program
The ASPN leadership development program will enroll 12-15 ASPN members from the pool of applicants. The entire program will be completed over a one-year period. The curriculum will be spread out over 2 full-day live in-person and 2 four hour virtual sessions to take place in conjunction with scheduled meetings as follows:
- 2026 PAS, In Person. Boston MA. Apr 23, 2026. 8 AM – 5 PM EST.
- 2026 Virtual 1. Oct 13, 2026. 2 – 6 PM EST.
- 2026 Virtual 2. Nov 5, 2026. 2 – 6 PM EST.
- 2025 PAS, In Person. Minneapolis MN. Apr 28, 2027. 8 AM – 5 PM EST.
The Apr 2026 session will consist of presentations on leadership styles, followed by a leadership development competencies session, including a 3600 degree multisource assessment, led by an experienced executive trainer. The remaining topics will be covered during the three additional sessions. Outside speakers from both industry and academia will be utilized as faculty for the remaining sessions. A mentored leadership project is part of the expectations of this program.
The ASPN LDP program fee is $500 per scholar.
Eligibility
The successful applicant will be an ASPN member in good standing; an established record of ongoing service to the ASPN will be favorable in the selection process. The ASPN LDP Steering Committee will select the awardees. It is expected that awardees will be selected from a diverse group of institutions, geographic locations, and backgrounds.
If selected, applicants must agree to participate in all elements of the Leadership Development Program (2 in person full days and 2 virtual half-days of training sessions and appropriate additional preparatory time) and must commit to serve the ASPN in the future as an active member of an ASPN Committee, Task Force, or Council. They may also be asked to present a summary of his/her experiences in the program at the ASPN Annual Meeting within one year of the experience.
Completion of the 3 components of the program (attendance at all in person and virtual sessions, participation in Circle of Mentor meetings, presentation of ASPN LDP project at final session) will be required for an ASPN LDP scholar to receive the ASPN LDP Certificate.
Application process
Applicants must submit a completed application accessed through the following link: Apply here
- The application includes demographic information and statements as to your interest in working with the ASPN; previous ASPN committee work; what skills and knowledge you hope to obtain as a result of this opportunity; and how this experience can enhance your professional development and career.
- Have you completed a similar formal skills training program in the past? If so, please describe.
- CV
- Letter of support from your Division Chief or Department Chair as appropriate that addresses the following:
- interest and promise of the applicant in terms of leadership potential.
- commitment to provide the applicant, if successful, protected time to participate in the program and requisite post-program ASPN activities.
Submit your completed application by JANUARY 5, 2026.
Application Deadline: January 5, 2026.
Awards Selection Announced: January 19, 2026.
John D Mahan, MD, for the ASPN LDP Steering Committee
