Mid-Career Leadership Accelerator Program

Mid-Career Leadership Accelerator Program for faculty in Academic Medicine led by program director Amanda M. Termuhlen, MD, ACC.

Program Overview: The Mid-Career Leadership Accelerator Program is a national initiative designed to equip recently promoted Associate Professors in academic medicine with the skills, strategies, and networks needed to thrive in their future careers and leadership roles. This cohort-based experience, combining expert-delivered content/workshops with learning and application from group coaching, supports participants in navigating the complexities of mid-career advancement and preparing for leadership positions.

Purpose & Goals: Mid-career is a pivotal stage when faculty members are often managing expanded responsibilities, larger teams, and greater institutional influence. Faculty in this stage of their career may face uncertainty about the next steps in their professional trajectory. This program provides:

Leadership skill building tailored to mid-career challenges and reinforced by shared learning and accountability in group coaching.

Strategic career development aligned with personal and professional goals.

Network development and mentoring with national experts teaching topics relevant to mid-career faculty members in small group settings, reinforced by facilitated peer group coaching.

Program Structure
Duration: Six months – second cohort begins October 2026.

Format: Combination of monthly keynote presentations/interactive workshops and monthly facilitated group coaching.

Core Topics:

• Transitioning to leadership: Understanding your role as an Associate Professor
• Building strategic networks and creating visibility
• Advancing your career and supporting others
• Interpersonal communication/conflict management
• Building and leading teams – insight into team dynamics
• Strategic career planning
• Overview of finances in academic medicine and healthcare

FAQ’s

Is the program only for women?
No. The program is open to everyone.

Do I need to already be in a leadership role?
No. You don’t need to hold a leadership position—or even know what kind of leadership role you want. This program is designed to help you explore possibilities, gain perspective, and clarify your career direction.

What if I’m more than three years away from promotion to Associate Professor?
This program is designed for early Associate Professors, because from years of faculty affairs experience, we know this stage—often right after tenure—is when many faculty pause and ask, “What’s next?”

At this point, mentors may step back, expectations rise, and the clear career roadmap you once had may feel less defined. If you’re later in the Associate Professor stage, other programs may be a better fit, such as ELAM, Harvard Macy, or leadership programs at business schools.

Can I participate if I’ve been at my institution for less than a year?
We recommend at least one year at your institution before joining. Understanding your institution’s culture and navigating its systems is crucial to maximizing the benefits of this program.

Tuition

Why is tuition charged?

As a non-profit, CWAMS charges tuition to cover:

• Professional coaching facilitators
• Administrative costs

The $800 cost is far less than attending a major conference or hiring an individual coach for six sessions.

Group Coaching

How is group coaching different from individual coaching?
Individual coaching focuses solely on you. Group coaching brings together participants with similar roles and challenges, allowing them to learn from one another.

• Members don’t work together (team coaching is different—it’s for groups who share common work goals).
• Participants decide what they want to share.
• Each member benefits from both their own exploration and the insights of others.

For example, if the topic is personal well-being, one participant might describe a challenge. The group then asks questions and offers perspectives, helping everyone broaden their thinking.

What can I expect in a group coaching session?

• The facilitator sets ground rules and checks in with participants.
• The group agrees on a topic, and one or two members share specific questions or situations.
• Members ask questions, share experiences, and explore perspectives.
• The facilitator helps the group solidify key takeaways.
• There may be accountability or reflection exercises between sessions.

Logistics

What is the time commitment?

• 6 interactive webinars (90 minutes each, once per month for six months)
• 6 group coaching sessions (90 minutes each, once per month for six months)
• Pre-program assessment, short evaluations during sessions, and a post-program evaluation
• Total: ~18 hours of sessions + ~1 hour of assessments over six months
• No required readings or homework outside the program

Can I attend only the webinars and skip group coaching?
No. Group coaching is a core component of the program, which makes it unique. Webinars provide valuable content, but without coaching, most people retain very little. Group coaching accelerates learning through accountability, reflection, and peer insights.

If you are interested in webinars only, there are excellent opportunities available at your own institution, national meetings (such as AAMC and Group on Faculty Affairs), or independent programs. This program is designed for in-depth learning through a combination of webinars and coaching.

What if I miss a session?

• Webinars: We will request permission to record sessions. Didactic content will be captured, although some discussion may be edited for confidentiality purposes.
• Group coaching: These sessions will not be recorded. Since the value comes from active participation, missing a session affects both you and the group. Please make these a priority.

Can I be in the same group as a colleague or friend?
Ideally, no. You’ll gain more from being with people who don’t already know you, and you may feel freer to share openly. That said, with only three groups per cohort, overlap can happen. The facilitator will discuss group placement with you in advance to ensure a good experience.

What is the refund policy?

• A full refund is available if you cancel at least two weeks before the program’s start date.
• No refund will be issued if you cancel within two weeks of the start date or after it begins, as spots are limited and each participant’s involvement is vital.

What if I have additional questions?
Please contact the program’s director, Dr. Mandy Termuhlen, at mandy@cwams.org