Celebrating Leadership in Action: LDI Culmination Weekend 2026
From June 4-7, the AMA Foundation welcomed its 2026 Leadership Development Institute (LDI) cohort to Chicago for a culminating experience at the AMA House of Delegates (HOD) Annual Meeting, marking the close of a year-long journey in leadership, mentorship, and professional growth.
Since 1950, the AMA Foundation has advanced health outcomes and medical education through more than $122 million in grants and scholarships. That legacy continues through the LDI by investing in a diverse group of emerging physician leaders dedicated to improving patient care and strengthening communities nationwide.
Kicking Off the Weekend
The weekend began Thursday evening with a welcome dinner at the AMA Plaza, where LDI participants gathered alongside AMA Foundation staff, board members, and physician mentors. This opening event, focused on connection, reflection, and celebrating the cohort’s growth, set the tone for the days ahead.
LDI participants Rachel Chang, MD, and Ifra Malik, MD, during Culmination Weekend.
Showcasing a Year of Work
Friday marked a major milestone for participants as participants delivered their final presentations at the AMA Plaza, reflecting a year of learning across topics such as health systems, policy, management, and communication.
Following the presentations, the cohort transitioned into the broader AMA Annual Meeting experience: attending the Medical Student Section Assembly Meeting, exploring the AMA Poster Showcase, and visiting a career fair. The evening concluded with the official opening of the HOD, offering a look into organized medicine in action.
Alicia Edwards, MD, delivers a final presentation to peers at the AMA Plaza on Friday.
Immersive Learning at the AMA Annual Meeting
On Saturday, participants fully immersed themselves in the work of the HOD. Through mentor shadowing and independent exploration, LDI members attended reference committee hearings, where delegates review and debate resolutions that shape AMA policy.
LDI mentor John Flores, MD, connects with his mentee, Olivia Safady, MD, during the 2026 LDI Culmination Weekend.
This experience provided a rare, behind-the-scenes look at how decisions are collectively made across HOD delegations. Paired with dedicated mentor time throughout the day, participants were able to ask questions, gain insight and better understand how physician leaders influence health care at a national level.
Mentor shadowing was a cornerstone of the weekend, allowing participants to observe leadership in real time and strengthen relationships built throughout the year.
A Celebration of Achievement
The weekend’s highlight came Saturday evening at the AMA Foundation Excellence in Medicine Awards. During the ceremony, the LDI cohort was formally recognized on stage and invited to accept their certificates, acknowledging their dedication to medical leadership.
AMA CEO John Whyte, MD, MPH (back left), pictured with the 2026 LDI cohort and AMA Foundation leadership, including Board President Mary Beth Ellison and Executive Director Andy Bell (upper right), during the LDI Culmination Weekend in Chicago.
Surrounded by peers, mentors, and leaders in medicine, the moment underscored both individual accomplishments and the collective impact of the program. The AMA Foundation remains committed to supporting these emerging leaders as they move forward in their careers and looks forward to welcoming the next LDI cohort to begin their journey.