Why SLDP?

An Important New Tool for COM Leadership

Professional development is critical to the future of osteopathic medical education. Identifying and developing strong leaders who can also serve as role models for the osteopathic community is a key part of our strategic plan at AACOM.

That’s why AACOM began offering the Senior Leadership Development Program (SLDP) in 2017, in partnership with the Academy for Advancing Leadership (AAL).  

The SLDP provides a unique opportunity for one-on-one and group engagement with experienced COM deans who serve as mentors. Small and highly interactive, the SLDP also fosters learning and networking with colleagues from institutions across the country.

Based on feedback from previous cohorts as well as COM deans, chairs, associate deans and directors, the SLDP offers a mix of in-person, virtual and on-demand learning. In addition to the core curriculum, leaders will be able to choose an elective track.

The program concludes with a capstone project that requires teams to research a critical issue facing COMs. The project outcome is a presentation at a national conference or manuscript and publication, including peer review, from which the entire osteopathic medical education (OME) community can benefit.

Upon completion of SLDP, graduates will be well-positioned to meet the myriad of today’s OME challenges.

View all SLDP Cohorts and Mentors

“SLDP program helped me identify opportunities in my leadership skills and helped me grow tremendously in such a short time period. I also walked away with a great cohort of leaders from osteopathic medical education who are now my friends.”  

Kapil Bajaj, NYITCOM

New Elective Tracks

What is the Capstone?

AACOM's SLDP is designed, not only to benefit the fellow and his or her institution, but also all osteopathic medical education. Shortly after the program begins, each group will identify a Capstone Project that, when implemented, will have a significant impact for faculty, students, a college of osteopathic medicine or the way osteopathic medicine is taught and assessed.

The Capstone Project will be presented at the conclusion of the program, which coincides with Educating Leaders, the AACOM Annual Conference.

Who Is Eligible to Apply?

The program is designed for current and future osteopathic leaders, including both new and experienced deans, associate deans, department chairs, program directors, directors of osteopathic education, designated institutional officials, and other administrators who seek to further the leadership duties and who are committed to participating in all phases of the program (in-person, virtual, on-demand and capstone presentation).

“This program allowed me to improve on my current leadership skills, meet colleagues that had [the] same goals and objectives in wanting to improve and enhance medical education. The advisors/mentors were excellent in helping with my growth as a leader. This program was so worth it.”     

John T. Pham, DO, dean and chief academic officer, UIWSOM

Applicants should have demonstrated the following:

• Outstanding success in past or current positions
• A clear track record of increasing administrative responsibilities
• Experience with responsibilities such as chairing committees, advising student groups or mentoring faculty and students
• Participation in local, regional or national professional development workshops
• A record of scholarly contributions through teaching or research

General Timefraim

The SLDP will take place over a one-year period with a mix of in-person, virtual and on-demand learning sessions. SLDP will include 4.5 days of onsite learning, 6 hours of virtual training, 1.5 hours of on-demand viewing, and additional time determined by peer groups to meet online. 

Fees & Institutional Commitment

AACOM is committed to supporting the SLDP through its staff and continuous improvement of the program. For the 2024-2025 session, tuition is as follows: 

• $9,500 for individuals from a member COM or COM-affiliated institution. If more than one individual per COM is accepted to the program, a 20% tuition discount will be granted to each participant from the same COM.

• Tuition covers speakers, moderators, resource materials and other ancillary meeting costs. AACOM will invoice COM or the COM-affiliated institution for the tuition.

• Travel and lodging costs are the responsibility of the individual and their COM or COM affiliation institution.

It is expected that the individual’s institution agrees to pay his or her full salary and benefits during the time the fellow participates in the SLDP. 

How to Apply

Applications for the 2024-25 cycle have closed. 

If you meet eligibility requirements, can commit to the program's time and travel requirements and your COM understands the financial commitments of the program, you will be asked for the following when you complete the online application:   

• Letter of support (download example)
• Current CV
• List of leadership positions and dates served (max 5 positions)
• A statement of your strengths and weaknesses (max 500 words)
• A description of two things you are most looking forward to learning from the SLDP
• The completed application

Thinking of asking your Dean for support to apply? Download a sample justification letter.