University of California Health launches systemwide group to support inclusive leadership for women

As part of their commitment to developing women leaders and increasing women’s representation in leadership positions, University of California Health (UCH) has launched the Group for Inclusive Leadership for Women (GILW). The UCH system includes UC’s 20 health professional schools of dentistry, medicine, nursing, optometry, pharmacy, public health, and veterinary medicine.

Dr. Amparo Villablanca, professor and Frances Lazda Endowed Chair in Women’s Cardiovascular Medicine at UC Davis Health, will chair the committee, guiding the development of GILW’s programs and evaluation of its progress. “I am honored to have the opportunity to work with UC’s innovative and committed teams and leaders to chair this new initiative,” said Dr. Villablanca. “A thriving, diverse faculty that includes the participation and advancement of women leaders is one of the most significant factors essential for ensuring a dynamic learning and working environment that effectively meets the health needs of our state’s communities.”

To achieve their goals, GILW will leverage the systemwide expertise and talent of UCH leaders who are graduates of the national Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine (ELAM) program, including Dr. Villablanca and Dr. Carrie L. Byington, executive vice president of UCH. ELAM is an intensive and competitive fellowship designed to place highly qualified women into prominent positions through which they can drive positive change across the academic health system. Across the system, there are 54 graduates (ELUMs) of this nationally recognized, evidence-based program.

GILW will work to promote increased participation in the ELAM program by women faculty in all eligible disciplines (medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, and public health sciences) and develop a network for sharing best practices and enhancing advancement opportunities for women throughout UCH. As chair, Dr. Villablanca welcomes those interested in applying to ELAM to contact her with questions about the program. For more information about the ELAM application process (which opens on Oct. 1, 2022), visit the ELAM website.