Enhanced Mentoring for Building AdministRative Careers (EMBARC)
Curriculum & Course Concepts
EMBARC is a longitudinal, interactive training program designed to foster the next generation of clinical leaders in academic medicine — building self-awareness, strategic thinking, communication, operational leadership, and change management skills.
- Systems thinking in the academic medical center and integrated delivery environment
- Economics and finance in AMC
- Strategic planning
- Healthcare operations
- Data analytics and informatics
- Communication strategies for leaders
- Collaboration and conflict management
- Change leadership and implementation
- Performance and talent development
Program Structure & Format
Each session blends preparatory work with rich in-person learning activities. CME credits are provided for every class day.
- Pre-Session Prep
- Readings, videos, and self-assessments completed before each class day
- Interactive Discussions
- Small group activities and whole-class conversations
- Executive Shadowing
- Observation and learning alongside senior institutional leaders
- Scenarios & Case Studies
- Applied, experiential learning grounded in real AMC challenges
- Self-Reflection
- Structured reflection to build self-awareness and leadership growth
- CME Credits
- Continuing medical education credits awarded for each session
Schedule
All sessions are held on the second Friday of each month at the US Steel Tower, Pittsburgh. The first and last sessions are full-day; all others are afternoon half-days.
| Session | Date (2nd Friday) | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1* | Friday, January 8, 2027 | 9:00am – 4:00pm Breakfast & lunch provided |
| 2 | Friday, February 12, 2027 | 1:00pm – 4:00pm Lunch provided |
| 3 | Friday, March 12, 2027 | 1:00pm – 4:00pm Lunch provided |
| 4 | Friday, April 9, 2027 | 1:00pm – 4:00pm Lunch provided |
| 5 | Friday, May 14, 2027 | 1:00pm – 4:00pm Lunch provided |
| 6 | Friday, June 11, 2027 | 1:00pm – 4:00pm Lunch provided |
| 7 | Friday, September 10, 2027 | 1:00pm – 4:00pm Lunch provided |
| 8 | Friday, October 8, 2027 | 1:00pm – 4:00pm Lunch provided |
| 9 | Friday, November 12, 2027 | 1:00pm – 4:00pm Lunch provided |
| 10* | Friday, December 10, 2027 | 9:00am – 4:00pm Breakfast & lunch provided |
★ Sessions 1 and 10 are required. These are the foundational and concluding components of the program. Participants may miss a maximum of one half-day session across the full year.
Application
To apply, physicians submit a brief application; division leadership reviews submissions and nominates 1–2 candidates per division.
Applications due July 17
Division Chiefs and Executive Administrators review applications and submit 1–2 nominations per division. Ideal candidates will have completed Physician Leadership Essentials or have early experiential exposure to clinical leadership.
Selected participants will be notified by August 21, 2026.
Questions? Contact PhysicianLearning@upmc.edu