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Leadership & Enrichment for Academic Development

LEAD is a joint venture between the Office of Admissions, Health Advancement and the Office of Medical Student Education (OMSE). Admitted students should express interest in the LEAD program to the Office of Admissions for the Medical School. Selections will be offered and made at the discretion of the Dean and Office of Admissions.

For More Information

LEAD Program Goals
Give students an early introduction to the medical school environment and position them as leaders and mentors for their incoming peers.
Offer effective strategies and tools to bolster professionalism and leadership skills.
Increase student commitment to ensure that all patients receive the best care possible.
Empower students as advocates for their peers and themselves and integrate them early on into the lifeblood of our institution.
Students on a balance beam in the woods working together

Summer Programming

Students who are selected to participate in LEAD will arrive on campus two weeks before their White Coat Ceremony (typically, the first two weeks of July) to participate in the program. Summer LEAD topics and activities are adjusted annually to reflect feedback received from previous cohorts.

Some topics and activities from the past include:

A Welcome BBQ

Academic Success Advice

Personal Wellness

Navigating Finances as a Medical Student

Campus & Community Engagement Opportunities

Structuring a CV as a Medical Student

Panel Discussion with Medical Students

Interactive Team Building Opportunities (e.g., escape rooms; ropes courses)

Academic Year Programming

Throughout the academic year (September-May), Health Advancement hosts 5-6 LEAD events for M1 students who participated in the summer LEAD program.

Examples of past events include:

CV Writing Panel Discussion with M4s and House Officers

Casual chats with Faculty

Crucial and Challenging Conversations

Embracing Uncertainty and Dealing with Change

Mentorship, Coaching and Sponsorship

Goal Setting and Project Planning

Manuscript Writing Strategies

Social Outings

Auditorium full of students listening to a lecture and taking notes

What Makes LEAD Unique
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Advancing Health Care for All

Health Advancement faculty and staff provide leadership, mentorship, and professional development; exposure to practical factors influencing health; community building; and how people see themselves and relate to others.
Medical Students sitting in a lecture hall

Learning to Lead

OMSE staff assist with leadership strategies, including setting goals, improving organizational skills, and providing techniques to grow as a leader and mentor peers in the transition to medical school.
Two college age students give each other a double high five in a field.

Continued Support

Students who participate in LEAD receive ongoing support from Health Advancement and are encouraged to stay connected to their cohort throughout medical school to coordinate efforts, share best practices, and serve as support to one another.

Testimonials from Participants
Portrait of Krupa Patel

Krupa Patel (2023 LEAD Cohort)

"The LEAD pre-matriculation program has been transformative for me, providing invaluable opportunities to cultivate my leadership skills and engage with a wide range of perspectives. By fostering a supportive community and offering tailored resources, LEAD has empowered me to approach academic challenges with resilience and confidence, paving the way for personal and professional growth."
Portrait of Faisal Alshamaa

Faisal Alshamaa (2024 LEAD Cohort)

“Nobody could have convinced me how valuable LEAD would be until I experienced it myself. I wanted to build community, hone my leadership skills, and prepare to start medical school. I received all of that and much more. The speakers (medical students, faculty, physicians, and support staff) have convinced me unequivocally that I can do anything I set my mind to here, with the help of my cohort and the support systems that want to see us succeed. I became unafraid to fail, which I inevitably will before getting back up. I feel like I belong here, unquestionably, and I will remember how I felt at LEAD anytime I have doubts about myself and my capabilities.”
Portrait of Rija Awan

Rija Awan (2023 LEAD Cohort)

"My experience with LEAD was amazing! From the moment I stepped into the program, I was welcomed into a community of passionate individuals dedicated to personal and professional growth. As the first in my family to attend medical school, the pre-matriculation and longitudinal programs have also helped me gain a better understanding of how to navigate medical school."
Picture of Rodriguez Roberts

Rodriguez Roberts (2024 LEAD Cohort)

"The LEAD program empowered me to confidently take my first steps back on campus after almost a decade away from the university setting. The sessions were packed with useful information, and I feel immensely more prepared to take on my first year at the University of Michigan Medical School. My biggest key takeaway from the program is that there is more than one way to make the most of your time in medical school - success in medical school looks different for different people."

Program News
A group of people stand together to take a picture

LEADing the Future of Medicine at Michigan

About a year ago, over fifty thousand pre-med students began the application process for medical school. In a time of immense uncertainty, social isolation, civil unrest, and fear of losing loved ones, applicants like myself experienced an added level of unpredictability...

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    From Professional Football to Med School: A New Path LEADs to the Same Goal

    Not every path is linear, especially when it comes to going to medical school. Some students may move directly from their undergraduate into M1, others may take a few years off before entering the field...

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    • Group photo of students in a field

    Growing as a LEADer: From Non-Profit Management to Medical School

    Before coming to the University of Michigan Medical School, I spent three years building the nonprofit organization, Lunar Doula Collective (LDC)...

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