The AMA Foundation
Leadership
Development
Institute
The Leadership Development Institute (LDI) is a yearlong program offered by the AMA Foundation that equips medical students with the leadership skills, mentorship, and professional insight needed to shape the future of medicine. Through immersive learning, individualized mentorship, and connection to leaders in organized medicine, LDI prepares participants to lead with purpose, service, and impact.
Click here to start an application.
Applications close on March 27, 2026.
“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
Program Overview
The Leadership Development Institute is dedicated to cultivating an aspiring cohort of physician leaders who are committed to their patients, their communities, and the future of health care.
Designed for medical students, this competitive, yearlong program provides participants with professional development opportunities and individualized mentorship from experienced physician leaders. Through the LDI, participants gain the tools, confidence, and perspective needed to navigate medical school, explore leadership pathways, and contribute to organized medicine throughout their careers.
What to Expect
Monthly virtual webinars
An in-person convening during the 2026 AMA House of Delegates Interim Meeting
A June culmination weekend during the 2027 AMA House of Delegates Annual Meeting
One-to-one mentorship with an experienced physician leader
Opportunities to build relationships with leaders across organized medicine
Eligibility Requirements
Applicants must be currently enrolled in an accredited U.S. allopathic or osteopathic medical school
Applicants must be a permanent resident, citizen of the United States, or have DACA status
Application Materials
Student CV
Medical school transcript (unofficial accepted)
USMLE/COMPLEX Transcript or Step 1 score (An unofficial copy is acceptable; if you have not yet taken the exam, you will need a letter from your medical school's dean’s office stating when the test will be completed)
Dean of students approval form
Letter of recommendation (up to three)
Essay questions
Application Deadline
All materials must be submitted through the application portal by
March 27, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CDT.
Late or incomplete submissions will not be considered.
Questions?
Contact Allie Wesel, AMA Foundation Program Manager
allison.wesel@ama-assn.org
The AMA Foundation Leadership Development Institute is made possible through generous support by:
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 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.
Become a Mentor
News
