The 2026 Leadership Academy Application is OPEN

Apply using the fields below - the application will close December 5th

The AAST Leadership Academy seeks to develop and support the Trauma and Acute Care Surgery leaders of today and the future by providing on-going professional development and networking opportunities for its members.

The AAST Leadership Academy‘s mission is to:

1. Provide a core set of leadership and administrative skills for emerging trauma/ACS leaders

2. Provide on-going professional development for trauma/ACS leaders at all levels

3. Provide a venue for community building and networking for trauma/ACS leaders.

The Leadership Academy has an application process. If accepted, the first step in becoming a member of the AAST Leadership Academy is to complete seven online modules which will be available via videos that you will watch at your own pace. There will be a mandatory, in-person Leadership Academy event at the American College of Surgeons (ACS) in Chicago, IL on Monday, April 6, 2026 (from approximately 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM CST). 

AAST Leadership Academy members will be offered subsequent opportunities for leadership development, mentorship by academy instructors, and ongoing networking events.

The application process will open on November 4th and will close December 5th.  Once the application process is closed, the steering committee will review all applications with notification to the recipients by Monday,  December 22, 2025.

The price for the in-person event at ACS on Monday, April 6th is $475. This does not include hotel or transportation. Additional information on the in-person session will be sent upon acceptance to the Academy. 

AAST Leadership Academy membership application criteria:

  • AAST Fellow (Associate Member Jr. Faculty can apply, but preference will be given to AAST Fellows)
  • >5 years from final training program
  • Leadership trajectory as evidenced by an administrative title commensurate with leadership responsibilities (e.g. Trauma Medical Director or Associate TMD, Burn Director, EGS Director, ACS Director, Residency or Fellowship Director, ICU or Clinic Director, Division Chief, OR Operations Director, etc) 

Critical Dates:

  • Application process opens: November 4th
  • Application process closes: December 5th
  • Notification of acceptance: December 27th 
  • Completion of pre-course case work:  there may be pre-course work required by the applicant.  You will be notified regarding this this upon acceptance to the Academy. 
  • Inductees will be expected to watch 7 online modules at their own pace before the in-person event on April 6th
  • The mandatory in-person event on April 6th will be in-person at the American College of Surgeons in Chicago, IL. There will be no remote/dial-in option 

Mission

The AAST Leadership Academy‘s mission is to:

  • Provide a core set of leadership and administrative skills for emerging trauma/ACS leaders
  • Provide on-going professional development for trauma/ACS leaders at all levels
  • Provide a venue for community building and networking for trauma/ACS leaders

The Leadership Academy was introduced to AAST members in 2023, and 37 applicants were accepted to the program. Since the first class, we have accumulated two more classes of members, for a total of 76 members.

The Leadership Academy currently consists of seven core modules that all Academy Members must complete. As the Leadership Academy continues to expand, this content will grow and change as the Leadership Academy Steering Committee develops new material and curriculum to engage Leadership Academy members.

Currently, the LA has/will hold the following events:

  • September 21, 2023 (AAST Meeting): In-person inaugural Session for first LA inductees
    • Principles of leadership and management
      • Drs. Sharmila Dissanaike and Jason Smith
    • Tips/Tricks/Lessons in New Leadership Positions
      • Drs. Marc de Moya and Lillian Kao
    • Understanding your own leadershipDNA
      • Drs. Eileen Bulger and Matthew Martin
    • How to assess leadershipoutcomes
      • Drs. David Spain and Bellal Joseph
    • Conducting difficult conversations
      • Drs. Paula Ferrada and Hasan Alam
    • 2024 Second LA Class (virtual)
      • Principles of leadership and management: Drs. Sharmila Dissanaike and Jason Smith
        • Wednesday, February 7, 6:00-8:00 PM EST
      • Tips/Tricks/Lessons in New Leadership Positions: Drs. Marc de Moya and Lillian Kao
        • Thursday, March 28 7:00-9:00 PM EST 
      • Understanding your own leadership DNA: Drs. Eileen Bulger and Matthew Martin
        • Wednesday, May 22, 6:00-8:00 PM EST
      • How to assess leadership outcomes: Drs. Michael Cripps and Bellal Joseph
        • Thursday, June 13 11:00 AM EST 
      • Conducting difficult conversations: Drs. Paula Ferrada and Hasan Alam
        • Thursday, July 18, 6:00-8:00 PM EST
  • March 25, 2024: Virtual book club led by Drs. David Spain and Marc de Moya offered to both classes
  • September 12, 2024 (AAST Meeting): Advanced Session in-person for both classes
    • 1:45-3:15 PM, “Impacts of Documentation on Healthcare Finances: Why You Need to be an Expert”
      • Drs. Stephen Barnes and Jason Smith
    • 3:45-5:15 PM, “The Principles and Practice of a Perfect Pitch to the C-Suite”
      • Drs. Michael Rotondo and Jason Smith
  • March 24, 2025: In-person event at ACS open to all classes – 2025 LA members must attend
    • Jane Shlaes, "Positive Intelligence: Building Your Capacity to Respond To Leadership and Life Challenges"
    • Dr. Michael Cripps & Dr. Jennifer Hartwell, "Building Meaningful Connections for Long-Term Leadership Development"
    • Dr. Haytham Kaafarani, "Managing Team Morale & Addressing Moral Injury"
    • Dr. Robb Todd, "Fostering Collaboration & Resilience in Team-Based Settings"
    • Dr. Jennifer Hartwell, "Work-Life Integration Strategies: Leading in the Modern Era"
    • Dr. Joseph Sakran & Dr. Marc de Moya, "Leadership Beyond the Operating Room"
    • Dr. Ben Zarzaur & Dr. Eileen Bulger, "Aligning Personal Leadership Philosophies with Professional Goals"
  • April 23, 2025: Virtual book club led by Drs. Jennifer Hartwell and Stepheny Berry, to which the author is attending. Open to all classes
  • September 11, 2025: In-person event at the 2025 AAST Annual Meeting open to all classes
  • April 6, 2026: In-person event at ACS for all classes

 

Membership to the Leadership Academy has an application process. The next application will open November of 2025.