Kellogg-NUCATS Course Builds Leadership, Management Skills
When Adam Lin, MD, PhD, enrolled in Leadership and Management Strategies for Clinical Investigators, he expected to learn about the many nuances that accompany running a successful research laboratory. What he didn’t expect was learning so much about himself.
“In the time since completing the course, I’ve continued to explore my own authentic leadership skills, a process that has allowed me to reboot my lab and restart with a renewed focus on our mission and culture,” says Lin, assistant professor of Medicine in the Division of Hematology and Oncology.
Attend December 10 Info Session
The course is a collaborative endeavor between the NUCATS Institute and Kellogg School of Management, led by Kellogg faculty in an interactive classroom setting. It is designed for physician-scientists, clinical researchers, and other principal investigators who have health-focused labs. Participants in the four-day course are exposed to practical and effective approaches to topics including organizational culture, strategic time management, feedback and persuasion strategies, and diversifying funding sources.
It was one of best leadership courses I’ve taken. The lecturers were absolutely top notch with great insights and direction. I personally learned a lot about successful leadership styles and the pitfalls that can occur.”
“It was one of best leadership courses I’ve taken” Lin says. The lecturers were absolutely top notch with great insights and direction. I personally learned a lot about successful leadership styles and the pitfalls that can occur."
“We also learned so much from each other," he added. "Being with like-minded scientists early in their careers — often facing the same challenges — built a sense of community; one that I will continue to lean on in the future.”
Launched in 2020, the course helps build a foundation of evidence-based management and leadership skills that can be applied to the business side of science.
“Clinical investigators often balance many challenges and opportunities in their work,” says Course Director Divakar Mithal, MD, PhD, assistant professor of Pediatrics. “As responsibilities increase, the goal is to present a course that helps researchers harness unique leadership skills often not taught in the many years of clinical and scientific education.”
As responsibilities increase, the goal is to present a course that helps researchers harness unique leadership skills often not taught in the many years of clinical and scientific education.”
Former NUCATS Career Development Award Scholar Milkie Vu, PhD, assistant professor of Preventive Medicine in the Division of Behavioral Medicine, found the coursework enlightening.
“I think this was the first time that I learned the difference between being a manager and being a leader,” says Vu. “It also helped me implement a more systematic approach to hiring and training lab members. One thing that stuck is the idea of leading from people's strengths rather than ameliorating their weaknesses.”
In 2026, Leadership and Management Strategies for Clinical Investigators will take place May 11 through 14. Interested faculty are welcome to attend an informational session on December 10 from noon to 1 p.m. via Zoom. Faculty can also complete this course interest form.
“I feel that this is an absolutely essential course for beginners and people starting a new leadership position,” says Crismita Dmello, PhD, assistant professor of Neurological Surgery. “The course covered broad concepts and helped me identify my strengths and weaknesses. Since the course, I have been focusing on execution to make me a better leader.”
Written by Roger Anderson
