Chair Development Program

Applications for the 2026 CDP cohort are closed.

What is the CDP and Why Was it Created?

The Association of Academic Chairs of Emergency Medicine (AACEM) Chair Development Program (CDP) is a leadership training initiative designed to enhance the capabilities and effectiveness of new and aspiring academic emergency medicine department chairs through skill development, advising, and mentorship. By creating more informed and capable chairs, we hope to improve patient care, education, and research in emergency medicine.

What Type of Leadership Training Does the CDP Offer?

The CDP consists of 4 in-person leadership training sessions averaging 8-10 hours, with additional virtual sessions through November, for a total of 40-50 leadership training hours. Sessions will provide new and aspiring chairs with practical, emergency-medicine-specific leadership training and will be held in conjunction with the AACEM/Academy of Administrators in Academic Emergency Medicine (AAAEM) Retreat and SAEM Annual Meeting. Faculty instructors include experienced emergency medicine chairs, deans and administrators, as well as other leadership development experts. We will focus on areas that may not be covered in other leadership courses. Personal advising and mentorship will be provided. All participants must attend all in-person sessions of the CDP and 90% of virtual sessions. Participants will receive a certificate from AACEM upon completion of the program.

CDP Session Dates

  • January 23, 2026 - Kickoff Session (SAEM Headquarters in Chicago, IL)
  • March 15, 2026 - Workshop (AACEM/AAAEM Annual Retreat in Maui, HI)
  • May 18, 2026 - SAEM Leadership Forum (SAEM26 Annual Meeting in Atlanta, GA)
  • June-December 2026 - Monthly Virtual Sessions
  • January 2027 - Closing Session

All dates are subject to change

*This workshop takes place during the AACEM/AAAEM Annual Retreat, and is included in your CDP tuition. However, registration for the Retreat is required if you plan to attend any additional educational sessions, receptions, or events outside of the workshop.

** The SAEM Leadership Forum is held during the SAEM Annual Meeting and is included in your CDP tuition. However, registration to the SAEM Annual Meeting is required if you plan to attend any additional educational sessions, receptions, or events outside of the Forum.

Who Can Participate in the CDP?

Those eligible for the program include current EM chairs who are within four years of their start date at the beginning of the program, and vice chairs or associate chairs who wish to advance to become chairs. Other developing EM leaders may also apply. 

* Current academic chairs will be given priority to attend this course.

How Much Does it Cost?

Tuition is $4,895 for the course, with travel and lodging expenses paid by the participant.

SAEM Educational Course Tuition Payment & Cancellation Policy

Tuition is due thirty days after acceptance to an SAEM course, and must be paid in full before the first session in order to participate. If extenuating circumstances prevent payment on time or the registrant's ability to participate in the course, the registrant should contact SAEM for alternative arrangements.

If the participant withdraws from the course at least thirty days prior to the first session, 100% tuition will be reimbursed. If the participant withdraws less than thirty days prior to the start of the course, tuition will be 50% reimbursed. Tuition will not be reimbursed at any time after the first session has begun. 

 

Faculty

Faculty is comprised of experienced leaders in academic emergency medicine and prestigious consultants, including but not limited to:

  • Brian J. Zink, MD, Course Director
  • Susan A. Stern, MD, Course Director
  • James G. Adams, MD
  • Andra Blomkalns, MD, MBA
  • Deborah Diercks, MD
  • Andrew Gilman, CommCore Consulting
  • Michael Granovsky, MD, CPC
  • Robert Hockberger, MD
  • Arkan Kayihan
  • Steve Maxwell, MBA
  • Chadwick Miller, MD, MS
  • Christopher Miller, MD
  • Travis Schmitz, PhD, MBA
  • Manish N. Shah, MD, MPH

What Alumni Say

"I really appreciate the exposure to so many experienced leaders within emergency medicine. Their perspectives and insights have been invaluable in shaping my framework for leadership decision-making and my approach to communication. Most importantly, the skills we are learning and practicing in the course are directly applicable to my current role as a Vice Chair."
-Paul Musey Jr., MD

 

"The program was a wonderful opportunity to meet other senior EM physicians from across the country and share experiences with others going through similar career development stages. [Course leaders] helped us understand the diverse facts of being a chair while simultaneously preparing us for the challenges a new chair faces. I feel like they were really invested in each of the participants, and I am really grateful to have had the opportunity to glean just some of their wisdom through this program."
-Elissa M. Perkins, MD, MPH

 

"The CDP makes the process of seeking chair positions at other institutions much less daunting. For those who feel they have the potential but are unsure if they want to seek a chair, vice chair, or chief position, the CDP is a great experience to help you get informed to decide if that's the right next step in your career path."
-Andrea Fang, MD

 

"Within this dynamic community of future leaders, I found myself surrounded by individuals who are not only exceptionally accomplished but also deeply passionate about advancing the field. We have forged strong bonds and cultivated a supportive network that transcends geographical boundaries. My participation in this program has been instrumental in not only honing my leadership skills but also in nurturing relationships with like-minded individuals dedicated to shaping the future of EM."
-Ronny Otero, MD, MSHA