Physician Leadership Training
Today’s physicians are expected to lead, not just in the clinic, but across complex teams, health systems, and communities. Yet many of the leadership skills required to succeed in these roles aren’t taught in medical school or residency. The Ingram Institute for Physician Leadership bridges that gap, offering immersive, practical leadership training that empowers physicians to become effective advocates, collaborators, and change-makers in healthcare and beyond. The Institute offers two dynamic programs: the Physician Leadership Immersion Program, a focused leadership retreat, and the Physician Leadership Lab, an in-depth, process-change experience. Both programs are funded by the Tennessee Foundation for Quality Patient Healthcare (TFQPH).
PHYSICIAN LEADERSHIP LAB
A Blueprint for Creating Operational Excellence in Safety, Quality and Efficiency.
This multi-month course helps physicians acquire the skills to become effective leaders capable of producing measurable and sustainable organizational improvements. Participants will develop core competencies in improving care processes, developing a culture of accountability, and successfully leading change initiatives. Steve Harden, founder of Leaders Get Results, LLC, facilitates the Lab. Each physician participant undertakes a course project that allows him or her to directly apply the skills acquired in the Lab in a real-world environment, including in his or her own local clinical setting, to improve quality, safety and efficiency and reduce costs. The program is open to TMA members only. Participants earn up to 37 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™* through the program.
- Develop a strategic vision for the desired "future state" of your organization
- Understand and follow a proven action plan for sustainable performance improvement
- Identify barriers to change and how to overcome those barriers
- Learn how to influence others and successfully coach low performers in the workplace
- Implement systematic methods for channeling the human capabilities of your organization to achieve excellence in a constantly changing environment
- Earn a Certificate in Healthcare Change Management
PHYSICIAN LEADERSHIP IMMERSION
The Physician Leadership Immersion Program is a special getaway for physicians to gain leadership training in teamwork, collaboration, conflict resolution and media and communications. Expert facilitators lead interactive discussions and training courses on core topics. Classes take place over two weekend in-person meetings. Participants can earn up to 34 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. *
- Leadership Overview: Introduction to medical leadership, leading teams and teamwork, and personal goals.
- Collaboration and Influence: Self-assessment, interpersonal skills, group dynamics and leadership with stakeholders.
- Decision Making, Conflict Resolution and Negotiation: Successfully negotiating various situations to achieve desired outcomes.
- Time Management, Delegation and Resiliency: Effective personal organization, workflow communication and skills for hedging physician burnout.
- Medical Advocacy, Media and Communications: Presentation skills, written documents and media training; legislative process, approaches to medical advocacy and grassroots movements.
PHYSICIAN LEADERSHIP LAB SCHEDULE
| Schedule | 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Webinar 1 | September 9 | |
| Live Session 1 | September 25 - 26 | |
| Webinar 2 | October 28 | |
| Live Session 2 | December 4 - 5 | |
| Webinar 3 | January 13, 2027 | |
| Live Session 3 | April 2, 2027 |
PHYSICIAN LEADERSHIP IMMERSION SCHEDULE
| Schedule | 2026 | |
|---|---|---|
| Monteagle Retreat | June 26-28 | |
| Nashville Workshop | July 24-25 |
Unable to join us in 2026?
Can't make our current program dates? Fill out this inquiry form to be added to our priority list for next year's programs.
Tuition
Funding for the Ingram Institute for Physician Leadership comes through the TFQPH. A minimal tuition of $1,000 is required for both programs. Similar programs can cost between $3,000 and $5,000. We encourage applicants to seek sponsorship through their organization or local medical society.
HOW TO APPLY
Links to the applications for both programs are at the top of the page. Nominations and applications will be reviewed in priority order based on the date of submission. Applicants will be notified of their acceptance. Class size is limited to 12 participants per course, and classes usually fill well in advance.
For questions, please email TMA's Program Development Manager, Sara Balsom, at sara.balsom@tnmed.org.
*The Tennessee Medical Association is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. Tennessee Medical Association designates this live activity for up to 37 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.