Applications are now open for the 2027–2028 PLDP Cohort.
The program will officially begin at the AMSPDC Spring 2027 Annual Meeting (Wednesday, March 3, 2027) and culminate at the AMSPDC Spring 2028 Annual Meeting in March 2028. Scholars should also anticipate completing light pre-work in early 2027 in preparation for the start of the program.
Throughout the program term, scholars will participate in mentorship, cohort engagement, leadership assessments, educational activities, and other PLDP programming.
About the AMSPDC Pediatric Leadership Development Program (PLDP)
The AMSPDC Pediatric Leadership Development Program (PLDP) was created to help develop the next generation of leaders in academic pediatrics. The program prepares emerging leaders for future Pediatric Department Chair and other senior leadership roles by providing structured mentorship, leadership development, peer engagement, and experiential learning.
Through PLDP, scholars build leadership skills, expand their professional networks, learn directly from current Pediatric Department Chairs, and apply what they learn through a leadership-focused project within their home institution.
Who Is Eligible?
PLDP is designed for faculty members who currently hold a significant leadership role and who have demonstrated an interest in, or potential for, becoming a Pediatric Academic Department Chair or assuming another senior leadership position within academic pediatrics.
Eligible individuals may include, but are not limited to:
Interim Chairs
Division Chiefs
Vice Chairs
Associate Chairs
Associate Deans
Program Directors
Research Directors
Other faculty members serving in significant leadership roles
Applicants should have the support of their Pediatric Department Chair and a demonstrated commitment to continued leadership development.
What Does the Program Include?
PLDP is a year-long leadership development experience built around four primary components:
1. Chair Mentorship
Each scholar is matched with a current Pediatric Department Chair based on the scholar’s leadership interests, professional goals, and areas in which mentorship would be most valuable.
Mentors provide guidance, perspective, and support throughout the program. Scholars and mentors are encouraged to communicate regularly to discuss leadership challenges, career development, decision-making, and other topics relevant to the scholar’s goals.
When mutually beneficial and feasible, scholars may also have the opportunity to visit their mentor’s institution to gain firsthand exposure to the day-to-day responsibilities of a Department Chair. Travel and related expenses for an institutional visit are not included in the PLDP program fee.
2. Peer-to-Peer Learning and Cohort Engagement
An important part of PLDP is the opportunity to develop lasting relationships with other emerging leaders in academic pediatrics.
Scholars participate in regular cohort-based virtual gatherings throughout the year that provide opportunities for peer support, shared learning, networking, and discussion of leadership challenges. Selected sessions may also feature guest speakers or facilitated discussions on topics identified as important to the cohort.
3. Leadership Development Project
Scholars are encouraged to develop and complete a leadership-focused project that provides value to their home department or institution.
Projects should be developed in collaboration with the scholar’s Department Chair or immediate supervisor and must receive the support of the home institution. The project provides scholars with an opportunity to apply leadership concepts and skills learned throughout PLDP to a meaningful organizational initiative.
4. Participation in Two Consecutive AMSPDC Annual Meetings
Scholars are expected to participate in two consecutive AMSPDC Annual Meetings, first as an incoming scholar and again the following year as an outgoing scholar.
At the first Annual Meeting, incoming scholars participate in PLDP programming designed to introduce them to the program, their cohort, mentors, and key leadership concepts.
Throughout the year, scholars continue their leadership development through mentorship, cohort engagement, leadership assessments, and educational activities.
Scholars are also encouraged to attend the AMSPDC Fall Meeting during their program year as an additional opportunity to engage with pediatric department chairs and other academic leaders, expand their professional network, and further their leadership development. Attendance at the Fall Meeting is optional and is self-funded; scholars are responsible for their own registration, travel, and related expenses.
At the second Annual Meeting, outgoing scholars share their experiences and leadership development projects and have an opportunity to provide insight and advice to the incoming cohort.
What Is the Cost of the Program?
The PLDP program fee is $5,500, which is supported by the scholar’s sponsoring department.
The program fee includes:
Registration for two consecutive AMSPDC Annual Meetings
Program reading and educational materials
Leadership Practices Inventory (LPI) 360 assessment
PLDP-specific educational and leadership development activities
Select meals provided as part of PLDP programming
The program fee does not include airfare, hotel accommodations, travel associated with mentor visits, or registration and expenses associated with external or national leadership development courses.
What Is the Application Process?
Applicants are asked to submit the following:
Nomination by a Department Chair or self-nomination
Letter of support from the applicant’s Department Chair
Brief biography (approximately one page), including career and leadership goals
Letter of intent (no more than two pages) describing the applicant’s interest in participating in PLDP and what they hope to gain from the experience
Current Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Applications are reviewed as part of a competitive selection process, with consideration given to the applicant’s leadership experience, career goals, potential for continued advancement in academic pediatrics, and support from their Department Chair.
Past Cohorts
Past PLDP Scholar Testimonials
“The program has led to many extremely valuable contacts for me, a couple who have become informal ‘at a distance’ mentors. I also cite the camaraderie of my fellow participants as a major positive.”
“Great program.”
“Great networking. Great leadership. Have previous PLDP fellows return annually for reunion to increase networking venues.”
“There was a wealth of experience amongst the PLDP faculty that could be shared.”
“Outstanding program.”
“The PLDP, while helpful for preparing for a Chair position, is helpful for any leadership position. The most positive aspects of the program are: the strong leadership/kindness/devotion of Bob Wilmott, opportunity for one-on-one work with a mentor, and then the opportunity to connect with Chairs and co-participant mentors at the annual AMSPDC meeting. I knew only a little about AMSPDC prior to being in the PLDP; hope to attend meetings in the future (thanks to the positive experience I had through this program). Thanks to Dr. Wilmott and all of the faculty organizers of this outstanding program.”