PGME Leadership Certificate Program

Physician leadership is key to optimal patient care. In the 2024/25 academic year, PGME will be hosting its sixth annual Leadership Certificate Program, a longitudinal program based on the LEADS in a Caring Environment Capabilities Framework consisting of 8 formal curricular evening sessions, 2 near peer mentorship sessions, and the design and implementation of an Action Learning Project. Through a competitive enrolment process, selected learners will be able to advance their leadership knowledge and skills.

Certificate Details:

• Monthly sessions, September 2024 – April 2025
• Time: 5:30 to 8:30 pm,  primarily in-person.
• Facilitated near peer mentorship groups (2 sessions / year)
• Optional Curriculum Design webinar.

Eligibility to Apply:

Residents (current PGY 1 and higher) and fellows who will be training in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto in the academic year beginning July 2024.  

Course Capacity:

Maximum 30 participants.

Curriculum:  

The curriculum is designed around the five domains of the LEADS framework: Leading Self, Engaging Others, Achieving Results, Developing Coalitions and Systems Transformation. Most sessions focus on one of these domains.  At each session one or two interactive workshops and a fireside chat (a facilitated interview with a medical leader) are held.  The curriculum is enhanced by near peer mentorship groups with a faculty member as well as an optional session on Curriculum Design.

Action Learning Project (ALP):

The capstone project for the PGLC is the ALP.  All participants engage in an ALP in which they can apply the leadership knowledge and skills learned in the course to an issue important to them. The issue can be educational (e.g. supervision of junior trainees; developing a leadership seminar/ curriculum for your program);  a systems issue impacting patient care (eg: access to timely diagnostic imaging; clinic wait times); OR something else the participants is passionate about.

Program Expectations:

All participants must sign a learning contract outlining their responsibilities as per the following Requirements for Certificate Completion: 

Requirements for Certificate Completion:

• Attendance at a minimum of 6 of 7 teaching sessions (see dates below*) and the ALP presentation session; all exceptions will require a formal written request to the course co-directors
• Completion of all pre-readings
• Active participation in classroom sessions
• Participation in Reflected Best Self exercise
• Submission of assignments (ALP report and Reflection) on time 
• Presentation/ submission of final report on ALP 
• Participation in Small Working Group events

Applicant selection will be based on a review of:
For all applicants:

• Candidate’s Curriculum Vitae
• Completed Application (linked)

Attestation letter from Program/ Fellowship Director

A confidential Letter/email of attestation of good standing from the trainee’s Program Director, should be submitted as follows:
To: Anne Matlow (anne.matlow@utoronto.ca)
Re: name of trainee
I attest that:

• The above trainee is in good standing in the current program
• The above trainee has my full support to participate in the Leadership Certificate Program
• The above trainee will be ensured allowances that enable them to commit to attending all sessions (e.g. call scheduling and switches)

* Dates of PGLC Sessions:

September 25, 2024, 
October 15, 2024,
November 12, 2024,
December 10, 2024, 
January 14, 2025, 
February 11, 2025, and
March 11, 2025

ALP Presentation Date: April 8, 2025

Facilitated near peer mentorship group dates: November 19, 2024, and February 18, 2025

Optional Curriculum Design Webinar:  October 22, 2024

Application Process:  

Apply online till 5pm on Saturday, June 15, 2025 through Judgify: https://www.judgify.me/PGMELCP-2024-2025