Emerging Leaders: Preparing Cancer Researchers for Professional Success
Article Summary
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Miami Herbert Business School provide a program that trains diverse staff members for leadership roles.
- The goal of Emerging Leaders is to accelerate the advancement of women and underrepresented groups in the cancer research.
- The program blends dynamic video delivery with in-person attendance for a rich, interactive learning experience.
One of the modules in the new Emerging Leaders Program, a training initiative for faculty members at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, emphasizes the importance of fostering strong team performance.
That’s precisely what Sylvester and the Miami Herbert Business School are doing as they partner to prepare a new generation of Sylvester junior and mid-level professors for leadership roles.
“I am especially proud to work alongside the outstanding faculty members at Herbert to introduce Sylvester participants to essential leadership skills,” said Sophia George, Ph.D., associate professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences at the Miller School and associate director of diversity, equity and inclusion at Sylvester. “This program holds significant meaning for me because it creates opportunities for women and underrepresented groups to grow in the cancer research workforce and advance into leadership positions. We’re excited about the program offerings lined up for participants and deeply appreciate the effort and dedication of our partners at Herbert.”
Training to Lead Change
Emphasizing practical experiences, the goal of Emerging Leaders is to accelerate the advancement of women and underrepresented groups in the cancer research workforce at Sylvester and into leadership positions.
When you look at the leadership ranks in most academic medical centers, you see a lot of accomplished scientists and physicians, but you don’t see leaders who look like me, women of color and minorities.
—Dr. Estelamari Rodriguez
The program is comprised of eight 90-minute modules and two immersive three-hour sessions. After the in-person launch on Aug. 30, the first class of 12 participants is continuing with monthly sessions, culminating on May 9. The hybrid format blends dynamic video delivery with in-person attendance, ensuring a rich, interactive learning experience.
The workshops are designed to equip participants with essential leadership skills, such as emotional intelligence, effective decision-making, team leadership and conflict resolution. Additionally, the program promotes collaboration and networking, enabling participants to share best practices and strengthen cross-departmental relationships. The aim is for participants to develop the skills needed to lead change, drive innovation and navigate the ever-evolving complexities of health care.
Partnership with Miami Herbert Business School
Emerging Leaders is an initiative of Sylvester’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and the cancer center’s Office of Education and Training led by Associate Director Kerry Burnstein, Ph.D., also professor and chair in the Miller School’s Department of Molecular & Cellular Pharmacology. The programs works in collaboration with the University of Miami Johnson A. Edosomwan Leadership Institute, directed by Marina McCarthy, Ph.D.
My funded portfolio has grown, and I see the need to expand my skillset to enable even more effective communication with my colleagues.
—Dr. Lunthita Duthely
“Our focus is on providing tailored leadership development courses, led by leadership experts from Miami Herbert Business School, to address the specific challenges health care professionals encounter,” said Katelyn Schelin, manager of academic planning and strategic initiatives at Herbert. “Through this program, participants will acquire valuable leadership tools that foster personal growth and contribute to their success within the organization.”
Support to Overcome Bias
“When you look at the leadership ranks in most academic medical centers, you see a lot of accomplished scientists and physicians, but you don’t see leaders who look like me, women of color and minorities,” said Estelamari Rodriguez, M.D., M.P.H., a hematologist and oncologist and assistant director of Sylvester’s Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, who is participating in the program.
Dr. Rodriguez is a first-generation Latina thoracic oncologist who serves as the clinical research lead of Sylvester’s thoracic site disease group.
“I applied for the Emerging Leaders program so I could gain the skills, mentorship and support needed to overcome gender and racial biases and barriers and navigate complex professional situations, such as conflict resolution, project management and team building,” she said.
Besides gaining an opportunity for personal and professional growth, Dr. Rodriguez said that members of this first class could play a crucial role in advocating for inclusive policies and practices that promote health equity and cultural competence in patient care.
“This group can also serve as role models and peer mentoring for others,” she said.
“As scientists and researchers, we understand the importance of team science to advance our research,” said Emerging Leaders participant Lunthita Duthely, Ed.D., a research associate professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences at the Miller School. “My funded portfolio has grown, and I see the need to expand my skillset to enable even more effective communication with my colleagues.”
This training provides the skills necessary for us to navigate challenges, advocate for our fields and mentor others.
—Dr. Namrata Chandhok
Namrata Chandhok, M.D., a hematologist and assistant professor in Sylvester’s Division of Hematology, added, “The Emerging Leaders Program offers a unique opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals who are at a pivotal, transitional stage in their careers, seeking to enhance their leadership capabilities. This training provides the skills necessary for us to navigate challenges, advocate for our fields and mentor others—thereby equipping us to create a collaborative environment that fosters collective success and drives meaningful change.”
Tags: diversity, Dr. Estelamari Rodriguez, Dr. Lunthita Duthely, Dr. Namrata Chandhok, Dr. Sophia George, Miami Herbert Business School, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center