Yael Schenker named an Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine Fellow

Yael Schenker, professor in the School of Medicine and director of the Palliative Research Center, has been selected for the Hedwig van Ameringen Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine (ELAM) 2022-2023 class of fellows.

Designed to prepare women for senior leadership roles in schools of medicine, dentistry, public health and pharmacy, the yearlong ELAM fellowship imparts professional and personal skills required to lead and has a focus on challenges facing women in leadership positions.

“I am excited to soak up the energy, inspiration and wisdom of this incredible group of leaders in academic medicine,” said Schenker. “The most amazing women I know are alumni of this program, and it is an honor to be taking part in it this year.”

Although more women are matriculating from health sciences schools around the country, there is still a gender gap in academic medical center leadership positions. The program, now in its 28th year, was specifically developed for senior-level women faculty who demonstrate the greatest potential for assuming executive leadership positions at academic health centers within the next five years.

“Within Pitt, Dr. Schenker is widely viewed as someone with tremendous potential to assume leadership roles at multiple levels,” said Jane M. Liebschutz, professor in the School of Medicine, chief of the Division of Internal Medicine and past ELAM fellow. “I think the ELAM program will be extremely helpful for her in acquiring the knowledge to take the next step in her career.”