YOU@UVA Leadership Program

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YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO THRIVE AT UVA

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Program Overview

The YOU@UVA program is a dynamic professional development initiative aimed at fostering leadership, mentorship, and research excellence across UVA’s diverse academic and clinical landscape. This program is specifically tailored for faculty, trainees, and clinical research professional staff, equipping them with the skills and networks to thrive in leadership roles while driving impactful research.

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Through interactive workshops, peer learning, and mentorship opportunities, YOU@UVA promotes a culture of inclusion and innovation. By focusing on leadership, professional growth, and equitable research practices, the program empowers participants to build sustainable careers, mentor others effectively, and contribute meaningfully to UVA’s Health’s mission of advancing health and discovery, the UVA Cancer Center’s mission of reducing cancer burden through research, education, and comprehensive care, as well as iTHRIV’s mission of accelerating translation of research ideas into real-world solutions to improve health. Participants emerge with enhanced capabilities to lead, innovate, and drive positive change within the academic medical community.

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Target Audience

• Faculty: Assistant Professors and early Associate Professors (≤5 years).

• Trainees: Fellows, Clinical Instructors, and Post-Doctoral Fellows.

• Clinical Research Professionals: University Staff actively involved in supporting clinical and translational research.

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Cohort Size: 10-12 participants
Eligibility: Applicants must be full-time employees of the University of Virginia with a commitment to their own leadership growth and development.

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**Individuals from historically or currently underrepresented groups in biomedical science as described by the NIH, including but not limited to, underrepresented racial and ethnic groups, individuals with disabilities, individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, and women are encouraged to apply.

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Program Duration and Format

• Duration: Six monthly sessions (Tuesdays, 12-2pm; April 29th, May 27th, June 24th, July 22nd, August 19th,  September 16th).

• Sessions: Monthly 2-hour interactive workshops (in-person and virtual options).

• Kickoff Event: In-person lunch April 22nd, 2025 12-1 pm to introduce participants, objectives, and program facilitators.

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Program Goals

1. Leadership Development: Build leadership competencies tailored to research, clinical, and educational environments.

2. Research Innovation: Enhance participants’ ability to design, manage, and sustain high-impact research projects.

3. Mentorship Capacity: Equip participants with tools and techniques to mentor effectively across career stages, fostering inclusive growth and development.

4. Network Expansion: Create interdisciplinary connections to support career advancement and collaborative opportunities.

5. Diversity and Equity Advancement: Promote equity-focused practices in leadership and research, ensuring broader representation and inclusion within UVA’s academic and clinical spaces.

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Curriculum

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Session 1: Defining Your Leadership Vision and Values
Clarify personal leadership values and align them with institutional goals. Explore strategies for leading with purpose in the research and clinical landscape.

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Session 2: Building Inclusive Leadership Skills
Develop techniques for authentic and inclusive leadership. Conduct leadership style assessments and apply findings to create supportive, effective team environments.

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Session 3: Mentorship Mastery in Biomedical Research
Learn to foster mentorship relationships that support diverse team members. Discuss practical approaches to mentorship tailored for faculty, trainees, and clinical research professionals.

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Session 4: Effective Research Team Leadership
Explore team-building techniques to enhance collaboration, manage conflict, and drive innovation within research teams.

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Session 5: Equity-Centered Research Practices
Examine how equity and cultural competence can be integrated into research processes. Analyze case studies and learn to address systemic barriers.

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Session 6: Expanding Your Research Impact and Influence
Develop strategies to enhance the reach of research through collaboration, strategic partnerships, and effective dissemination of findings.

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Program Benefits

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• Leadership Growth: Master key skills for leading in research and clinical contexts.

• Research Development: Strengthen the ability to manage innovative and impactful research projects.

• Mentorship Excellence: Learn practical approaches to guiding and supporting team members.

• Networking Opportunities: Build connections with peers and leaders across UVA and beyond.

• Career Advancement: Gain insights and strategies for sustainable professional growth.

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Application Process

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• Application Period: Call for Applications will be released in early March of 2025.  Applications will be due by April 10th, 2025. **Check back in March for links to the application**

• Eligibility: Open to UVA faculty, trainees, and clinical research professional staff.

• Selection Criteria: Commitment to leadership, mentorship, and research excellence AND commitment to attend 75% of sessions including the kick-off luncheon.

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Questions? Contact Jennifer Phillips RN, CCRC at jvp8a@uvahealth.org​​​​​​​​