Applications are live for the Sustainable Healthcare Leadership Institute!
The Sustainable Healthcare Leadership Institute is a year-long, intensive professional program designed to equip mid-career healthcare professionals with the technical knowledge, leadership skills, and peer network needed to lead sustainability efforts within their institutions.
The program addresses the urgent need to reduce the healthcare sector’s environmental footprint—currently responsible for 8.5% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions—while also advancing quality improvement, cost savings, social accountability, and organizational mission.
Introduction
The Sustainable Healthcare Leadership Institute (SHLI) invites mid-career healthcare professionals to embark on a transformative journey in sustainability leadership within the healthcare sector.
This year-long, intensive program features in-person, synchronous online, and asynchronous online components designed to enhance leadership skills while addressing the pressing need to reduce the environmental footprint of healthcare.
Program Quick Facts:
- Duration: Year-long program starting in September 2025
- Location: In-person retreat in Boulder, Colorado from October 21-25, 2025
- Eligibility: Mid-career professionals currently employed in healthcare systems (e.g., hospitals, clinics) with confirmed institutional support
- Application Deadline: July 1, 2025 (early applications are encouraged)
SHLI is a groundbreaking initiative led by the Columbia Mailman School of Public Health’s Global Consortium on Climate and Health Education (GCCHE), Clinically Sustainable Consulting, and Wildfire Strategies.
The program is poised to tackle the challenges that healthcare institutions face, underscoring the role of sustainability in improving health outcomes while ensuring quality and cost-effectiveness.
Researchers have identified that climate change disproportionately affects vulnerable populations and that only 30% of U.S. healthcare institutions currently implement comprehensive sustainability programs.
SHLI aims to bridge the gap between commitment and execution by developing sustainability leaders who can drive impactful change within their organizations.
Program Approach
Participants will receive a holistic education focused on building skills necessary to navigate organizational challenges and lead sustainability initiatives effectively. Individuals will develop:
- A tailored leadership action plan
- A comprehensive toolkit for sustainability project implementation
- Strong networks through mentorship and peer collaboration
Comprehensive Program Components:
- Leadership Retreat: An intensive in-person experience to create personalized leadership plans
- Technical Learning Curriculum: Self-paced modules on energy efficiency, waste management, and sustainable practices
- Ongoing Professional Support: Monthly mentoring and coaching sessions by industry experts
- Skills Development Workshops: Practical training sessions on sustainability implementation, policy advocacy, and data methodology
- Community Building: Opportunities for peer learning and networking beyond the program year
Eligibility Criteria
The Sustainable Healthcare Leadership Institute seeks 30 healthcare professionals dedicated to sustainability leadership.
Required qualifications include:
- Institutional Support: Must submit a signed Letter of Institutional Support from a supervisor
- Commitment: Willingness to attend the in-person retreat and monthly gatherings
- Professional Background: Mid-career professionals (5+ years) including but not limited to physicians, nurses, facility managers, and quality improvement leads
Application Timeline & Requirements
To apply, candidates must complete a detailed application, including a signed Letter of Institutional Support and a CV.
- Application Period Opens: April 15, 2025
- Application Deadline: July 1, 2025
- Cohort Selection Announcement: August 1, 2025
- Program Start: September 2025
Financial Support: Thanks to the generosity of The Commonwealth Fund, scholarships are available to cover program fees and travel for candidates serving safety-net hospitals and vulnerable communities.
Additional Information:
- This program is focused exclusively on candidates from the United States and Canada currently employed within healthcare systems.
- A total program cost of $1,200 covers meals, lodging, webinars, workshops, and coaching.
Take the next step towards becoming a leader in sustainable healthcare. Apply now for the Sustainable Healthcare Leadership Institute and make a difference in your health system!
For inquiries, please contact: Maggie O’Donnell at mo3040@cumc.columbia.edu
Don’t miss this opportunity to lead the charge towards a sustainable future in healthcare!
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