Geisinger College leader completes prestigious fellowship program

Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine program develops leaders in academic medicine

Scranton, PA (06/03/2025) — Valencia P. Walker, M.D., M.P.H., Geisinger College of Health Sciences' vice dean for health equity and inclusion, recently completed the prestigious Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine (ELAM) fellowship program at based at the Institute for Women's Health and Leadership at Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia.

The ELAM leadership development program was specifically created for senior faculty with great potential to attain executive leadership positions within academic medicine. Acceptance into the ELAM fellowship is determined through an annual competitive and rigorous selection process.

To reflect the program's goals, ELAM leaders are encouraged to abide by the following:

• Act with integrity and authenticity
• Spread joy with your work
• Act with empathy and respect
• Listen to truly understand
• Work collaboratively and uplift others
• Stretch and challenge others positively
• Support, encourage and exude optimism
• Recognize and celebrate others' strengths
• Commit to lifelong learning

ELAM fellows undertake an institutional action project meant to lead organizational change at their own institutions in areas such as education, professional development, research or quality improvement. For her project, Dr. Walker chose to create "Candid Convos" at Geisinger and assist in promoting a culture of psychological safety and professionalism. "The opportunity to participate in ELAM transformed my thinking about leadership, and I look forward to using what I gained from the experience to make a positive contribution at Geisinger," she said.