The AMA Foundation
Leadership
Development
Institute
The AMA Foundation’s Leadership Development Institute equips medical students with the skills, insight, and confidence to lead in a changing health care landscape. Through immersive training, mentorship, and peer collaboration, participants explore how leadership grounded in equity, service, and purpose can drive meaningful change. LDI prepares future physicians not only to care for patients, but to influence systems, shape policy, and advocate for a more just and effective health care environment.
The AMA Foundation Leadership Development Institute is made possible through generous support by:
“I was not expecting to have such an effective leadership learning experience. It truly was life changing … I wanted to let you know that I will pay it forward by being a lifelong donor to the foundation.”
—T. Schwab, Leadership Development Institute participant
More about
The Leadership Development Institute
The AMA Foundation’s Leadership Development Institute (LDI) cultivates a diverse cohort of future physician leaders through two specialized tracks: the Healthcare Administration and Management (HAM) cohort and the Health Policy and Patient Advocacy (HPPA) cohort. Designed for medical students, residents, and fellows, LDI offers a year-long curriculum that includes in-person events, monthly webinars, and structured mentorship from experienced physician leaders. Participants gain practical skills in leadership, communication, and strategic decision-making, preparing them to address complex challenges in health care administration and policy. Applications for the 2027 cohort will open on February 2, 2026.
Become a Mentor
Are you passionate about supporting the next generation of medical leaders? The AMA Foundation’s Leadership Development Institute (LDI) offers a meaningful opportunity to engage with exceptional final-year medical students through a year-long professional development program. Made possible by the generosity of our donors, LDI pairs medical students with experienced physician mentors who are committed to advancing leadership, equity, and excellence in medicine.
As a mentor, you'll have the opportunity to share your insights, offer guidance, and help shape the trajectory of a future physician leader. This is your chance to pay it forward, empowering tomorrow’s change-makers and contributing to a stronger, more equitable health care system.
Mentor Commitment Overview:
Connect with your mentee at least once a month via email, phone, or virtual meeting.
Participate in quarterly feedback to help us strengthen the program.
Attend mentor-mentee engagement events at the AMA Annual Meeting in Chicago (encouraged, if possible).
Join a growing network of physician leaders investing in the future of health care—one conversation, one connection, and one student at a time.
Click here to learn more about volunteering with the AMA Foundation.
“Donor support has allowed me to develop skills in mentorship, leadership, and communication that I will use in my future neurology residency.”
Neva Lundy, Leadership Development Institute participiant
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