FAQs
Program Details
Q. Why is the Women in AMIA Committee launching a leadership training program?
Women are extremely under-represented in leadership roles in fields of health and IT. Leadership training gives women skills and confidence to apply for leadership positions. Moreover, leadership training is most successful in context of the participants’ careers.
There is no comprehensive leadership training for informatics, and we believe there is a dire need to increase the skills and confidence of women in informatics to increase representation in informatics leadership positions.
Q. How much of the program will be in person?
Participants will be required to attend three 1.5-day in-person meetings: one preceding the Fall AMIA Symposium on November 14-15, 2019 in Washington, DC, one in February 6-7, 2020 in Scottsdale, AZ, and one in May 14-15, 2020 in Salt Lake City, UT. All other sessions will be virtual, including personal coaching.
Q. What are the key topic areas that will be covered?
Leading Self
- Identifying and Leveraging Leadership Style/Strengths
- Establishing a Personal and Career Vision
- Developing Professional Presence and Confidence
- Cultivating Emotional Intelligence
Leading Ethically
- Developing Characteristics of the Ethical Leader
- Facing and Handling Ethical Challenges
- Leading Inclusively (Minority Power and Wisdom)
Power and Leadership
- Navigating Gender, Hierarchy and Leadership
- Circumventing Artificial and Structural Barriers Preventing Upward Mobility
- Confronting Gender Bias, Bullying and Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
Social Capital
- Social Capital in the Organization and its Relationship to Gender; Mentors, Sponsors, Networks
- Creating Social Capital as a Source of Power and Influence
Leading Others and Change
- Leading Change through Vision and Strategy
- Building Coalitions and Motivating Others to Embrace Change
- Adopting Behaviors for Transformational Leadership
Leadership Skills
- Financial Fluency: Understanding and Communicating Financial Information
- The Art of Communication in Leadership
- Reframing and Resolving Conflict Situations
Q. How much does it cost to participate?
Costs include tuition, but do not include travel (flights and hotel). We are excited to receive a large endowment donation and sponsorship from 3M for the 2019 WIA Leadership Program. These generous investments in women’s leadership have reduced the tuition fee by $1,000 for each participant.
Q. How is this program different from other executive-style leadership programs?
The Women in AMIA Leadership Program is similar to other leadership training programs in many ways, and we will apply existing best practices, including use of case studies, personality testing, directed readings with reflection, and individual professional coaching. What makes this program unique includes the following:
- case studies will be taken from many types of informatics careers
- participants will be part of peer networks to support building close relationships with other women in informatics.
Q. Where are the meetings and events held?
Washington, DC on November 14-15, 2019
Scottsdale, AZ on February 6-7, 2020
Salt Lake City, UT on May 14-15, 2020
Q. Is this an accredited program?
No, this initiative is for professional development and is not overseen by an accrediting body.
Q. Can I receive college credit hours?
No, this professional development program does not qualify for college credit in any capacity.
Q. What commitments are expected of alumni?
Increasing women in leadership and decision-making roles in health informatics is a long-term goal. We expect program alumni to invest some time and energy to help us collectively achieve this goal. It will take a community of smart, energized and well connected leaders, both women and men, to make our dream a reality. We will ask you to help in one of these areas (more if you have the capacity!): Recruiting and mentoring future participants; Sharing leadership experiences with new classes; Participating in follow-up interviews and surveys; and Contributing to diversity and leadership initiatives in AMIA. We also encourage alumni to stay connected with each other and provide valuable support to the projects and initiatives you will pursue after you complete the program.
Q. I’m interested in the program, but can’t attend this year. How can I receive information about the program in the future?
Scheduling
Q. I have a conflict on one of the scheduled dates. Can I still participate?
A strong cohort is very important for the success of the group and each individual. Because there are only 3 in-person sessions, missing one would significantly impact the cohort for the individual and the group. We require that you participate in all scheduled events.
Q. How often will I be required to travel and how many days of work will I miss?
You will need to travel to three onsite sessions: November 14 - 15 in Washington, D.C; February 6-7 in Scottsdale, AZ; and May 14 - 15 in Salt Lake City, UT. Please anticipate your travel days to be ready for sessions starting at 4:00 PM on the first day and ending at 5:00 PM on the second day. You will virtually attend 90 minute webinars on January ??, March ?? And April ??. You will virtually participate in monthly peer networking groups. The dates will be arranged by each peer network group. Finally, you will participate in monthly executive coaching. The dates will be arranged between you and your coach. Please discuss this schedule and your participation expectations with your employer to ensure your organization can fully support your time investment in your professional development.
Costs
Q. Is there an application fee?
No.
Q. What is the cost to attend?
See details on homepage.
Q. What specific travel costs are covered?
Participants must cover their own travel expenses. Food will be provided at the in-person sessions.
Qualifications
Q. Is there a minimum or maximum amount of career experience required for participants?
All experience levels are welcome for women who are past initial training. Applicants should be actively involved in their informatics career and wanting to transition to a leadership role or increase their skills in a current leadership role.
Q. What are the citizenship requirements to be considered for the program?
No citizenship requirements are required. Participants must be willing to participate in all events, including three in-person sessions in the U.S. and virtual meetings during U.S. business hours.
Application and Selection
Q. What is required in the application?
A. Each applicant is required to complete the application form with the following:
- A description of your leadership experience (250 words)
- What you hope to gain from the leadership program (250 words)
- What qualities you bring to the leadership program (250 words)
- Your CV
- A letter of support from your supervisor/institution indicating you have permission to spend the time needed to complete the course and travel.
Q. How many references are required?
References are not required. However, you need a letter of support from your institution.
Q. When are Scholars chosen and notified?
All applicants will be notified of the decision on their application no later than October 15, 2019. Applicants will be notified via the email address provided on their application. Please be sure to provide accurate contact information so that we can easily correspond with you.
Nominations
Q. Can I nominate someone for consideration?
While nominations are not accepted, applications are open to anyone. We encourage you to share information on the program with candidates you believe would benefit.