Healthcare Leadership Institute

Participants learn from, and interact with, thought leaders and master teachers from Harvard Business School, Notre Dame, University of Michigan, and other respected institutions who bring diverse and inspiring perspectives to class instruction, discussions, and small group exercises. Some of our faculty are published authors, many are well-known nationally, several have won numerous national awards, others have led successful, highly complex healthcare organizations, all are recognized experts in their specialties, and each one is committed to the values that drive this Institute. See the faculty page for additional information.

The program is designed for mid-career, experienced, and well-regarded health system leaders who possess the potential to make significant positive impacts on their organization’s culture, strategy, and clinical and cost outcomes.

There is no substitute for interacting with other clinical and administrative leaders (in roughly equal proportion) from highly respected healthcare institutions around the country and abroad in a candid, safe, and invigorating environment. Peer learning is essential, including learning and practicing in peer-to-peer coaching. Many attendees tell us they gain almost as much from one another as they do from the formal classwork. The learning and sharing continue long after the conclusion of the course.

We encourage and facilitate ongoing learning and connections through a quarterly newsletter and robust alumni program, including special alumni reunion events held every other year.

We place a heavy emphasis on interactive class instruction, case-study discussion, small-group learning and problem solving, shared learning, individual assignments, and reflection.

The Intermountain Healthcare Leadership Institute is housed in the Intermountain Kem C. Gardner Transformation Center on the Intermountain Medical Center campus in Murray, Utah. This state-of-the-art building, with commanding views of the stunning Wasatch Mountains, was specifically designed to foster an environment of collaborative learning, simulation, reflection, and imagination. Its construction was made possible by the generosity of Utah philanthropist Kem C. Gardner. The program includes wellbeing practices to support holistic and sustainable leadership.

Participants in each cohort stay in a high-quality hotel in downtown Salt Lake City in a block of rooms reserved for our group. This allows them to enjoy meals together, collaborate on small group assignments, and develop lasting connections with new friends around the world. Group transportation is provided daily to and from the Transformation Center. 

We focus on timeless principles, the competencies and personal attributes that are core to trusted leadership. These principles are vital, particularly as we navigate the complex intersection of clinical and operational excellence.

Key competencies include establishing a compelling vision, fostering psychological safety, learning from setbacks, and unifying divergent stakeholders. These competencies are built upon key attributes such as integrity, empathy, humility, resilience, optimism, and others. We provide multi-rater (360°) and personal assessment tools to help participants understand their areas of strength as well as identify where they can improve. Leaders of the Institute are available for consultation, coaching, and mentoring during and after the cohort.

See a more detailed description of the course curriculum.

The following evaluations represent evaluations from all previous cohorts collectively and are based on a 5-point scale with 1 being the lowest possible score and 5 being the highest possible score.

I found the program’s focus on trusted leadership to be valuable and timely – 5.0

I am committed to applying what I learned to my job – 5.0

I would recommend the program to others in my organization – 5.0

I found the program to be applicable to my work or performance – 4.96

I believe it would be worthwhile to apply what I learned to my work – 5.0

Attending this program was worth the time and effort required – 5.0

I am prepared to lead with more confidence – 4.93

I felt the faculty had a genuine interest in my personal leadership development – 4.97

“This was transformative for me. I feel more obligated than ever to be the best leader that I can be.”
– Warren Volker, MD, PhD, FACOG
Chief Clinical Officer
Healthcare Partners of Nevada

“Five stars... I am truly leaving here in awe. I am so impressed with the cohesive display of

genuine caring and leadership from the faculty - it really fostered a supportive learning

environment and set the stage for collaboration, honesty and openness to new ideas.”

– Jennifer Hansen, MSN, RN, CNL
Senior Program Manager
Stanford Health Care 

“It exceeded my expectations on every level.  Being back, I see my role and responsibility in the various leadership situations here much more clearly, which has made me more effective.  And outside of work, the value of living my brand is apparent as well.”

– Michael Wang, MD
Professor of Pediatrics, Clinical Director Hemophilia & Thrombosis Center, Program Leader Hematology Section
University of Colorado School of Medicine, Children’s Hospital Colorado

We conduct several real-time exercises that take place in our advanced, specially designed, simulation center which utilizes the latest in simulation technology and methodologies to practice, observe, and debrief realistic healthcare scenarios to highlight the importance of both character and competence for leaders.

• Develop trusted leaders who help lead positive, lasting change
• Increase leadership competency and organizational loyalty through a commitment to professional development of high potential leaders
• Gain valuable perspectives and insights from leaders of other highly respected not-for-profit and academic health systems
• Enhance company culture as leaders apply timeless leadership principles
• Prepare participants for additional leadership responsibilities

• Enhance self-awareness of personal strengths for continued improvement
• Articulate a trusted personal leadership brand to guide decisions and interactions
• Increase confidence and effectiveness in leading individuals and teams
• Communicate more clearly and effectively
• Utilize specific and individualized professional development tools
• Strengthen emotional and social intelligence
• Develop a network of national experts, peers, and mentors to facilitate ongoing learning relationships
• Effectively lead change in teams and the larger organization