Academic Leadership Development Program (ALDP)
Launched in 2020, this program provides essential orientation and skills to help participants succeed in the academic ophthalmology leadership pathway. Participants will have valuable networking opportunities with established leaders in the field and fellow rising stars.
The competitive nomination process opens in the Fall with participants selected by late January/early February. The program starts with a two-day interactive in-person session held during the summer. Following the summer session, programming continues throughout the year with virtual sessions, required readings, additional in-person meetings at the AAO and AUPO Annual Meetings, and a scholarly project.
5:00-6:00 PM PT / 6:00-7:00 PM MT / 7:00-8:00 PM CT / 8:00-9:00 PM ET
- Jul. 26-27, 2025 – Leadership Workshop (in-person)
- Aug. 11, 2025 – Crucible Presentation (virtual)
- Sep. 8, 2025 – Crucible Presentation (Small Group – 2 Groups)
- Oct. 19, 2025 – Crucible Discussion Continued (in-person at AAO Annual Meeting)
- Nov. 10, 2025 – “What Makes a Leader?” – Harvard Business Review Article (virtual)
- Feb. 5, 2026 – Meeting with Guest Leaders: Discussion of Speed of Trust (in-person at AUPO Annual Meeting)
- Mar. 9, 2026 – Discussion of Learning to Lead at the Academic Medical Center (virtual)
- Apr., 2026 – Mentee/Mentor SBAR Meetings (as scheduled by mentees)
- May 11, 2026 – SBAR Session One (virtual)
- Jun. 8, 2026 – SBAR Session Two – Program Conclusion (virtual)
Nominations: Most nominations will be made by the nominee's department chair. Program directors, current and former AUPO Board members, and former Chairs are encouraged to identify suitable candidates and recommend nominations to the candidate’s chair.
Eligibility: Nominees must be ophthalmologists with at least five years of academic experience since completing their postgraduate training.
Commitment: Nominees must agree to participate in all components of the Academic
Leadership Development Program, including attending all designated in-person and virtual meetings.
Costs: Participation costs will be shared among the Association of University Professors of Ophthalmology (AUPO), the sponsoring ophthalmology department, and the individual participant.
Class Size: The estimated annual class size for the program is 10–14 participants.
The ALDP Selection Committee will review completed nomination forms submitted by early January. Selected participants will be notified in early February. Nominees not selected one year may be re-nominated the following year.
AUPO: Will cover faculty, consultants, moderators, agenda materials, a resource book, and meeting preparation, as well as social events and facility costs for the summer program.
Department: Will cover registration, airfare, and lodging for the AUPO Annual Meeting.
Participant: Will be responsible for airfare, any additional travel costs for the summer program, as well as costs associated with projects.
The department chair should complete the online application, providing demographic information and attachments for one nominee. Additional requirements include:
Nomination Letter: Should detail the candidate’s career trajectory and how the program will enhance their professional development, along with a commitment to support the nominee's time and costs.
Support for Non-Traditional Nominations: If a candidate is nominated by another department chair or former chair, an ALDP leader will discuss the nomination with the nominee’s chair. If the chair is unwilling to support the nomination, the candidate may still participate but will be responsible for non-AUPO supported expenses.
Candidate Letter: The applicant should outline the candidate’s career goals and explain how the program will benefit them, confirming their willingness to attend all required activities and to cover their assigned costs.
Curriculum Vitae: A current CV from the applicant is also required.