Learn To Lead Scholarly Concentration

Communication

Enhance abilities to effectively communicate ideas and advocate for change.

Decision-Making

Learn to make informed decisions based on evidence and stakeholder input.

Conflict Resolution

Gain strategies for managing and resolving conflicts in diverse teams.

Internships and Practicums

Complete hands-on experiences in educational institutions, healthcare organizations, and/or research settings.

Leadership Projects

Design and implement projects that address real-world challenges in health systems or education.

Teamwork

Work alongside colleagues and staff to develop leadership with peer mentees.

Networking

Build connections with professionals in health, education, and research sectors to share insights and best practices in leadership/mentorship.

Self-Reflection

Engage in reflective practices to explore personal values, beliefs, and motivations as they relate to leadership roles.

Mentorship and Role Models

Interact with experienced leaders to understand different leadership styles and career paths, aiding in the formation of their professional identity.

Identity in Context

Examine how personal and professional identities influence leadership effectiveness, particularly in diverse and challenging environments.

Self-Assessment

Engage in self-reflection to identify strengths and areas for growth as a leader.

Feedback Mechanisms

Utilize feedback from peers and mentors to enhance leadership practices.

Integrative Experiences

Complete a capstone project that synthesizes learning and applies it to a leadership challenge in a real-world setting.

Introduction to Leadership Development

• Students will have group discussion sessions on various leadership topics throughout the year, with guest faculty and opportunities for self-reflection.  Topics covered include: leadership theory, growth mindset, and professional identity formation
• Peer mentorship will be introduced as a pathway to developing one’s own leadership.  Learn to Lead students are paired with local STEM students at Ball High School with multiple mentoring sessions.  Training will be provided on peer mentorship by UTMB faculty.
• Personalized assessments are used to foster personal growth and reflection on one’s own character traits, communication styles, and other facets of leadership with opportunities to debrief and discuss with faculty and peers.
• The Summer Preclinical Preceptorship Program is required for Learn to Lead students; they are paired with faculty clinical leaders in the areas of research, health systems, or education to learn more about potential leadership career paths.
• Assigned reading from influential leadership texts will be reviewed throughout the year.

Mentorship Program: Pairing and Development

• Students will be paired with dedicated faculty mentors who provide ongoing guidance throughout the concentration. This mentorship emphasizes professional development, research engagement, and strategic career planning. Regular meetings offer personalized feedback, support goal setting, and foster continuous growth.
• Students will also continue mentoring Ball High School students through the peer mentoring program. This module emphasizes building effective mentor–mentee relationships, supporting academic and career planning, and promoting personal and professional growth.

Leadership Journal Club

• Students serve as the hosts and prepare a discussion on various leadership topics. They invite faculty members to facilitate the discussion.

Capstone Project Planning

• Students will begin to develop and implement a capstone project, applying leadership principles in collaboration with their mentor(s) to address a meaningful challenge or opportunity within their area of focus. The project will culminate in a comprehensive presentation and evaluation during Year 4 (BSHS).
• Identify a mentor.
• Select an area of focus.
• Begin the capstone project for presentation in Year 4.

• Longitudinal Elective Course (White Coat Conversations) taken during clerkship phase.
• Students experience a range of scheduled didactics tailored to their interests and career goals in education, health care policy, or research leadership.
• The course offers additional opportunities to connect and network with leaders in these fields.

BSHS Course: Capstone Project Completion and Presentation

• Finalize and present the capstone project developed throughout the concentration.
• Apply leadership principles to address a meaningful challenge or opportunity at UTMB within their chosen area of focus.
• Present the project to a panel of experts, faculty mentors, and invited mentees at the annual scholarly forum.