Stormont Vail Health Introduces Innovative Leadership Academy for Physicians
In an effort to equip physicians with essential leadership skills, Stormont Vail Health, a nonprofit integrated health system serving Kansas, has officially launched its Physician Leadership Academy for the 2026-2027 academic year. The program aims to prepare participants for the evolving landscape of healthcare management by offering the Certified Physician Executive (CPE) credential from the esteemed American Association for Physician Leadership (AAPL). This initiative reflects the growing recognition that effective leadership is crucial to the success of modern healthcare practices.
The Leadership Academy is designed to support the development of strong physician leaders who can navigate the complexities of healthcare environments. Over the course of six years, up to 60 participants will embark on a transformative journey, culminating in the attainment of the CPE credential, which signifies a mastery of skills necessary for effective leadership in a medical practice.
The academy’s curriculum is thoughtfully structured to address the unique challenges that physicians face today. According to Dr. Peter Angood, President and CEO of AAPL, "The skills taught in this program are vital for managing large teams, budgets, human resources, and strategic insights, which are not traditionally part of medical education." This highlights a gap in training that the academy seeks to fill, ensuring that physicians are not only excellent clinicians but also proficient leaders.
The first cohort began in March 2026, where the initial year will cover foundational concepts such as communication, negotiation, quality improvement, finance, health law, and conflict resolution. In the second year, participants will delve into more advanced topics like budgeting, the science of high reliability in healthcare, leadership excellence, and making executive decisions. The program will culminate in a capstone project that integrates all learned concepts into practical applications.
Kevin Dishman, MD, Senior Vice President of Stormont Vail, expressed the institution's commitment to fostering quality and safety in healthcare. "As the healthcare sector evolves, effective physician leadership becomes more critical. This academy not only reinforces our dedication to high-quality care but empowers our physicians with the tools to drive improvements," he stated.
This initiative reflects Stormont Vail Health's longstanding history of service and innovation in Kansas since its establishment over 140 years ago. Today, it continues to grow as a provider, with over 570 medical professionals operating from more than 35 locations in the region.
With the new Leadership Academy, Stormont Vail takes a significant step toward preparing its physicians for leadership roles that influence patient care and organizational success. As the demand for skilled leadership in healthcare intensifies, this program stands to create a new generation of physician leaders equipped to face the industry’s challenges head-on. The academy not only aims to enhance individual capabilities but promises to uplift the collective quality of care provided throughout the Stormont Vail Health system, ensuring a brighter future for healthcare in Kansas and beyond.