As the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) prepares to launch its fifth cohort of the Leadership Development Program (LDP), anticipation is high among aspiring leaders in vascular surgery. This seven-month-long program has become a cornerstone for over 100 members of the SVS, offering a comprehensive curriculum designed to cultivate leadership skills tailored to the field’s challenges.
Manuel Garcia-Toca, MD, a longstanding advocate for leadership development within vascular surgery, shares his insights as the current chair of the LDP committee.
“It’s not a matter of ‘if,’ it’s about ‘when’ leadership opportunities occur in your career,’” he emphasized.
In response to feedback and evolving needs, enhancements were made to the LDP format and structure that aimed to foster increased interaction among faculty and cohort members, facilitate collaborative problem-solving and practical application of acquired skills concerning case study projects. Key modifications to the LDP include a reduction in the number of webinars, with more emphasis placed on faculty-led online discussion groups. Additionally, cohort members now have the option to access session recordings on demand, enabling them to tailor their engagement according to their individual schedules and priorities.
A highlight of the LDP is the opportunity for past participants to apply for the Leadership Mastery Grant to further their leadership journey beyond the program. Garcia-Toca explained that the grants grew out of a desire to support graduates in continuing their growth as leaders within the specialty.
The grant selection process concluded in March; four recipients will receive $3,000 each. These recipients will serve as mentors, enriching the learning experience for future participants.
The interactive discussions and case analyses led by faculty members or past Mastery Grant recipients are central to the LDP experience, said Garcia-Toca. He underscored the value of these sessions, noting the exchange of ideas and perspectives among participants.
“By equipping participants with essential leadership skills and fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation, the LDP plays a pivotal role in advancing the specialty of vascular surgery. We want vascular surgery to be at the forefront of leadership roles within hospital C-suites and in different societies,” said Garcia-Toca.
Faisal Aziz, MD, an LDP faculty member, highlighted the importance of vascular surgeons mastering leadership skills.
“By doing so, we can enhance our patient care and shape the future of healthcare while adeptly navigating the evolving healthcare landscape to meet the diverse needs of our communities and patients,” he said.
Reflecting on his experience, Aziz added: “Whether in community or academic practices, I have always been surprised to discover common ground among these settings. It’s remarkable to realize that vascular surgeons nationwide encounter similar challenges and have developed various solutions to address them. Learning from others’ experiences has been invaluable to me.”
Mohamed Zayed, MD, a member of the first cohort, stated his appreciation for the course, highlighting the value of engaging with fellow vascular surgeons with similar perspectives. Zayed emphasized the significance of honing professional skills, including developing organizational currency, conflict resolution techniques and identifying supportive allies within the professional realm. He noted the importance of fostering alliances and driving transformative change, accentuating the need for leadership from the top and the middle. These concepts resonated with Zayed, who acknowledged that his leadership journey was at its beginning, recognizing the infancy of his learning process.
“We spend a lot of time in the operating room learning how to operate, how to take care of patients, how to be very detail-oriented, but we don’t spend much time understanding organizational politics and organizational structure,” said Zayed. “Through the LDP, we learn how to manage and structure projects in a way that is going to be fruitful for not just a few, but for many, and then also how to address key concepts in the workplace like diversity and inclusion, and how to be able to manage time appropriately.”
“This made me hungry to learn more about these topics,” he added.
Zayed received the mastery grant to participate in the second cohort and continue his leadership journey. In May 2023, Zayed completed an MBA at the Olin Business School at Washington University in St. Louis. He asserts that he will continue his leadership training and is engaged in coaching sessions on a regular basis.
“Once you start down this path, you realize there’s an endless capacity to learn and grow there. You continue to develop this process over time,” said Zayed.
Michael Lieb, DO, a participant of the first cohort, was seven years into his career when he initially enrolled in the LDP to advance his professional trajectory. He reflected on a shift in his mindset upon joining the program, explaining his focus transitioned from individual career progression and personal success to the collective success of the group and, ultimately, to the program’s success.
Lieb underscored that individuals can contribute to the program’s goals regardless of their positions or titles. He highlighted that the program fosters a mindset where individuals recognize that effective leadership can come from various organizational levels, not exclusively from senior roles.
“You don’t have to be the head of something to be a role model. Maintaining personal standards without compromise can attract others to seek guidance, even in areas where one may not hold a leadership role.
“While I may not be officially in charge of a particular program or department, people recognize the values I uphold and trust my willingness to assist them. This aspect of leading from within the organization is crucial and often paves the way for new opportunities,” said Lieb.
Since completion of the LDP, Lieb has advanced in his leadership journey, with roles that include lead physician of his vascular group, medical director of both the non-invasive vascular lab and the Vein Center at Virtua Health in Hainesport, as well as vice-chairman of surgery at Virtua Mt. Holly Hospital.
“Once you start down this pathway, these opportunities for leadership and mentorship find you, more so than you seeking them out,” said Lieb.
Leadership Mastery Grant winners announced
The Leadership Mastery Grant selection process saw the following names revealed as this year’s award recipients: Xzabia Caliste, MD (Albany Medical Healthcare System); Maria Castello Ramirez, MD (Penn State Hershey Medical Center); Fernando Joglar, MD (University of Puerto Rico); and Payam Salehi, MD (Tufts Medicine).
Beyond financial assistance, these recipients will also be supporting the current cohort of the LDP as mentors and co-faculty.
