Clinical Leadership and Transformation Academy (CLTA)
Leading Through Change. Transforming Care Together.
In an era defined by rapid shifts and growing distrust in the healthcare landscape, the need for visionary, empathetic leadership has never been greater. The Clinical Leadership and Transformation Academy is a premier nine-month experience designed to empower the next generation of changemakers at University Hospitals.
Clinical Leadership and Transformation Academy (CLTA) Mission
Our mission is simple: to equip driven leaders with the evidence-based practices needed to spark positive change both within our walls and across the broader healthcare industry. In service of that mission, the Academy serves as a laboratory for collaborative implementation and systemic improvement by bringing together an interdisciplinary cohort of clinical and non-clinical leaders from every part of our health system.
Program Framework
The Clinical Leadership and Transformation Academy (CLTA) program follows a rigorous, three-part framework over the course of 9 months:
| Course Component | Description |
|---|---|
| Didactic Sessions | 45 hours of deep-dive learning across nine sessions, focusing on developing resonant leadership capabilities and building effective management systems in the pursuit of the highest value care possible. |
| Applied Project | An individualized initiative where you apply academy teachings to solve a real-world challenge. |
| Coaching | A mix of individual and peer-to-peer coaching to refine your personal leadership style and collaboration. |
Meet the Faculty
Our program is led by co-directors Patrick Runnels, MD, MBA, (Chief Medical Officer, Veale Healthcare Transformation Institute), Jordan Winter, MD (Division Chief, Surgical Oncology) and Maria Volkova-Feddeck, PhD (Case Western Reserve University Weatherhead School of Management Faculty).
Academy Frequently Asked Questions
- How long is the program?
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The program spans 9 weeks, with one class per month. Classes typically begin in September.
- When and how long are the classes?
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Most classes are in-person. The curriculum has three parts:
- 45 hours of didactics, spread out over nine 4½-hour sessions, covering three core content areas:
- Value-Based Care and Population Health: Structure and future directions
- Fractal Management: How to identify the right problems and implement transformational solutions in a collaborative way around common goals
- Resonant Leadership: Leading with love
- Individualized project to apply teachings
- Individual and peer coaching
- 45 hours of didactics, spread out over nine 4½-hour sessions, covering three core content areas:
- Do participants earn CME credit?
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Yes. Typically, we receive 4 – 4.5 hours per course, outside of the retreats. Credits are granted at the completion of the program.
- Is there homework?
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Yes. There are assigned articles and videos every month, approximately 30 minutes per month in addition to the courses.
- What are the attendance requirements?
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Participants must attend a minimum of 80% of the classes.
Application Process
The 2026 program is open to University Hospitals employees only. Applicants must complete an online application (including two short essay answers) and provide a current CV. Applications are open until July 15, 2026. There is no fee to complete an application.
Past Clinical Leadership and Transformation Academy (CLTA) Fellows
Class of 2024
- Dr. Amanda Amin
- Dr. Timica Campbel
- Dr. Ronald Charles
- Dr. Sarah Lang
- Dr. Nichole Fowler
- Dr. Susan Ratay
- Dr. Maria Shaker
- Dr. David Sheyn
- Dr. Kevin Turner
Class of 2025
- Brittany Dobroka
- Matthew Frombach
- Jessica Gelsomino
- Lena Grafton
- Pamela Hetrick
- Sandra Lucarelli
- Ruth Natalie
- Dr. Alicia Jones
- Dr. Sheila Rice
- Dr. Doug Fleck
- Dr. Nishigandha Pradhan
- Dr. Joe Khouri
- Dr. Sanjeet Rangarajan
- Dr. Ashley Simpson
- Dr. Ramy Abou Ghayda
- Dr. Amit Gupta
- Dr. Dany Raad
- Dr. Jihane Faress
- Dr. Yulanka Castro Dominguez
“This entire experience has been truly life-changing for me, both professionally and personally, and I will be forever grateful. (…) Although I have held leadership roles throughout my life and career, this program helped me transform into a more intentional and empowered leader, because of the confidence I gained.”
– Dr. Sheila Rice
“The Transformational Leadership Academy Executive Program was incredibly important to me in clarifying my career goals and how I can best apply my skill set to leadership roles where I can be most successful. More importantly, it connected me to a network of likeminded physicians who care deeply about providing excellent patient care and ensuring institutional success. ”
– David Sheyn, MD
“The coursework was interactive and thought-provoking, and my coach and the faculty created a space where I could truly reflect on what leadership means: leading with resonance, playing the infinite game, and cultivating a happiness advantage. I came away more confident, more grounded in my decisions, and genuinely grateful for the journey.”
– Amit Gupta, MD, MRMD, CIIP
“The UH Transformational Leadership Academy helped me understand my personal strengths, weaknesses, and inner motivations on a deeper level by providing context through our in-person meetings while helping me build a framework for future growth through 1:1 coaching and meaningful discussions with my classmates. It is easily one of the most impactful experiences of my post-training professional life! ”
– Dr. Sanjeet V. Rangarajan