Three members of the Department of Internal Medicine graduated from the University of Iowa’s eighth UI LEAD cohort this summer: Clinical Associate Professor in Immunology Brittany Bettendorf, MD, MFA; Administrator for the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Hilary Humphrey, MBA; and Clinical Associate Professor in General Internal Medicine Bradley Manning, MD.

The program, using an acronym standing for Leadership, Education, Assessment, and Development, is “a comprehensive leadership program where emerging or mid-level staff and faculty work directly with peers, a coach, and leadership to further their career goals and effectiveness as a leader.” Participants across the university are nominated by senior human resources leadership within their department.

The annual summer program is led by Scott White, CMHR, an organizational consultant, trainer, and leadership coach in the Department of Leadership Development and Organizational Effectiveness. Participants take part in individual coaching sessions, roundtables, self-reflection and peer-driven assessments. One peer assessment, Critical Friends, asks for feedback on an issue identified by the LEAD participant. A 360-degree survey is an optional addition to the program; participants who opt for this add-on receive feedback on their professional behavior from their peers, direct reports, supervisors, and other team members.

During the cohort’s graduation event, this emphasis on symbiotic professional relationships is clear: each graduate is presented to the audience by the person who nominated them for participation in the program.

Benjamin Davis, MD, PhD, Interim Division Director of Immunology, nominated Bettendorf for the program because of its valuable mentorship and group support opportunities. During the graduation ceremony, Davis spoke highly of Bettendorf’s drive, her broad interests in and outside of medicine, and her “tremendous interpersonal skills,” adding that, “when she is passionate and believes in something, she goes after it, and if it doesn’t exist, she builds it with her vision.”

Bettendorf said, “Participating in UI LEAD gave me a new understanding of my leadership style and how to best interact productively with others depending on their own leadership and work styles. I was able to apply what I learned to help collaborate on several projects in an effective way and move the projects forward with good communication.”

Internal Medicine Human Resources Director Kaila Boothroy, BS, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, nominated Humphrey because, “Hilary embodies a growth mindset—she is always stepping up to learn more, take on new and different responsibility, and help her colleagues develop and grow in their roles.”

Indeed, Humphrey valued the continuing education, noting that multiple things about the program stood out to her.

“I last took the DISC assessment in 2021 as part of the ELA, and now that I’m in a different role, the DISC showed different results than in 2021. I found this fascinating because it reflects my growth as a leader at UI Health Care,” Humphrey said. “Another highlight was the one-to-one coaching and Critical Friends. I appreciated working with peers I don’t interact with daily, as they provided valuable insights and ideas outside of my usual practice.”

Kevin Glenn, MD, MS, Interim Division Director of General Internal Medicine, nominated Manning for the UI LEAD program and talked about the changes he has seen since Manning became Director of the UI Health Care Hospitalist Program and completed UI LEAD. Glenn said, “I have seen him learn to delegate responsibility and duties and to distribute needed jobs amongst others. He has gained the respect of the hospitalists and is the most trusted leader the hospitalists have had. Brad has found his own voice, figuratively and literally.”

UI LEAD facilitator White said he enjoys facilitating this annual program of emerging leaders, noting that those who participate are actively engaged in developing their careers within the university further.

“I draw energy from seeing and hearing how individuals change from the first time I see them in person during our kickoff and when we gather for our celebration at the conclusion of the program,” White said. “Most have a decidedly different perspective and confidence in themselves that I appreciate seeing and hearing from them.”