Teena Chopra, M.D., M.P.H., professor of Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease for the Wayne State University School of Medicine, has been accepted into the inaugural class of the Executive Leadership in Health Care program, part of the prestigious Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine® program overseen by the Drexel University College of Medicine.

The program is a year-long, part-time fellowship intended for women in mid-career to senior-level leadership positions in U.S. and Canadian health systems who have administrative experience in personnel and budget matters, a desire to attain an executive leadership position, employ strategic career planning in leadership development, have the support of their institutions in advancement and opportunity for increased responsibility.

Nominated by WSU President M. Roy Wilson, Dean Wael Sakr, M.D., and Vice President of WSU Health Affairs Mark Schweitzer, M.D., Dr. Chopra is one of 27 women selected for the inaugural class.

“I am excited and honored to be part of this remarkable group of women participating in the inaugural class of the ELH/ELAM program,” said Dr. Chopra, who also serves as corporate medical director of Infection Prevention, Epidemiology and Antibiotic Stewardship for WSU and the Detroit Medical Center. “I believe my epidemiology-scientist core, along with my determination, academic and research experience, will be a good addition to this program. I am grateful to President Wilson, Dean Sakr, Dr. Schweitzer, my chair Dr. Safwan Badr and my division chief, Dr. Pranatharthi Chandrasekar, for providing me with this opportunity and for supporting me while I participate in this rigorous fellowship this year.”

As an ELH fellow, Dr. Chopra will learn strategic finance and resource management to enhance the mission of health care organizations; enhance professional effectiveness; develop strategic approaches to the pursuit, acceptance and transition into new leadership positions; collaborate with diverse stake holders to advance organizational goals; and support leadership career development of others through mentoring, sponsoring and peer consultation.

The year will begin with a series of virtual modules this summer, leading to in-person session in the fall. Fellows will present an Institutional Action Project next spring as the culmination of the program.

Established in 1995, the Hedwig van Ameringen Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine® program seeks to expand the national pool of qualified women candidates for leadership in academic medicine, dentistry, public health and pharmacy. The program, Executive Director Nancy Spector, M.D., said, is recognized by chief executive officers and deans for developing leaders who “bring high value back to their institutions. With the introduction of the Executive Leadership in Health Care program, we have built upon our fellowship model to include the concepts, tools and skills that will enable women leaders to bring their full potential to health care organizations.”

For more information on the program visit www.drexel.edu/elam.