This week, we kick off three-part series about how mentorship, coaching and sponsorship is shaping the next generation of pediatric leaders.
In this first episode, moderated by Valerie Opipari, MD, our expert panel dives into what makes mentorship effective and enduring. They answer:
How does a mentor’s role differ from that of a coach or sponsor?
How can young clinicians identify the right mentors to guide their careers?
What traits define a successful mentor–mentee relationship?
Packed with practical insights and real experiences, this conversation offers inspiration and guidance for both mentors and mentees in academic medicine.
Who Will Be Your Boss? Navigating New Roles Under Interim Leadership
If you’re considering a new role under an interim leader, learn why:
• Interim leadership is very common
• You need to validate resources and put must-haves in writing
• Understanding the culture and history of the institution is critical
This and more in the latest Pediatric Insight, “Who Will Be Your Boss? Candidates for Leadership Roles Under Interim Leadership.”
Pediatric departments are stretched by unprecedented clinical demand. How do you fully integrate full-time clinicians into the academic mission without losing alignment across the university, hospital and community?
In this episode, Dr. Arnie Strauss leads a candid discussion on what actually moves the needle.
The Pediatric Health Care Workforce Landscape, The Future of Pediatric Subspecialty Physician Workforce: Meeting the Needs of Infants, Children and Adolescents, NIH National Library of Medicine, National Academies Press (US). Sept. 7, 2023.
Pediatric departments are stretched by unprecedented clinical demand. How do you fully integrate full-time clinicians into the academic mission without losing alignment across the university, hospital and community?
In this episode, Dr. Arnie Strauss leads a candid discussion on what actually moves the needle.
Leadership Strategies to Engage Underrepresented in Academic Child Health
The latest Pediatric Insight episode tackles a critical question: How do we ensure the future of pediatrics reflects the diversity of the children and families we serve?
Moderator Danielle Laraque-Arena, MD, with special guests Lisa Eiland, MD and Colin Orr, MD, MPH, explore:
The most compelling reasons medical students choose a career in pediatrics
What institutions can do to attract and support underrepresented in medicine (URiM) students
The challenges and opportunities in strengthening the pipeline of diverse pediatric leaders.
This conversation offers practical insights for academic leaders to shape a more inclusive future for child health.
Host: Wesley Millican, MBA
Moderator: Danielle Laraque-Arena, MD, FAAP
Special guests:
Lisa Eiland, MD, Division Chief, Neonatology, Joseph M. Sanzari Children’s Hospital, Hackensack University Medical Center
Colin Orr, MD, MPH, Associate Professor of Pediatrics, General Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Monroe Carrel, Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt
Our panel: Arnold Strauss, MD; Robert Sawin, MD; Craig Hillemeier, MD; Bruder Stapleton, MD
The Child Health Advisory Council discusses what institutions can do to demonstrate a commitment to broad representation by those under-represented in medicine. Moderated by Danielle Laraque-Arena, MD with special guests, Lisa Eiland, MD and Colin Orr, MD, the panel discusses challenges in recruiting medical students to choose pediatrics and what institutions can do.
Social Programming for Candidates – Creative Ways to Win Candidates’ Hearts
Social outings can make or break a candidate’s interest in your program. Our panel, led by Dr. Bruce Rubin, shares unique ways to engage a candidate and his/her family during the recruitment process.
Also, hear Dr. Bruder Stapleton talk about what not to do during recruitment visits.
Host: Wesley Millican, MBA
Moderator: Bruce Rubin, MEngr, MD, MBA, FRCPC
Our panel: Craig Hillemeier, MD; Robert (Bob) Sawin, MD; F. Bruder Stapleton, MD; Valerie Opipari, MD; Arnold (Arnie) Strauss, MD and Wesley Millican, MBA
What pathways can we forge to address gender leadership and pay disparities in pediatric leadership?
Dr. Valerie Opipari brings together an esteemed group of female leaders to discuss solutions, experiences and predictions for the future in this special episode of Pediatric Insight.
Listen to hear how they’re challenging inequities and charting a new path forward for the next generation of female leaders.
Moderator: Valerie Opipari, MD
Guest panel: Nancy Spector, MD; Kenya McNeal-Trice, MD; Mariana Meyers, MD; Peggy Troy, MSN, RN; Michelle C. Starr, MD; Leslie Walker, MD; Danielle Laraque-Arena, MD; Kathryn M. Edwards, MD
Workforce Issues in Pediatrics by Dr. Fred Rivara.
Download a PDF of the PowerPoint presentation.
Bridging the Gender Gap in Pediatric Leadership, CHA Magazine, January 29, 2026, Valerie Opipari, MD and Mariana L Meyers, MD
Watch the Pediatric Insight episode.
Meet the Panel.
Wesley D. Millican, MBA CEO and Physician Talent Officer
What pathways can we forge to address gender leadership and pay disparities in pediatric leadership?
Dr. Valerie Opipari brings together an esteemed group of female leaders to discuss solutions, experiences and predictions for the future in this special episode of Pediatric Insight.
Listen to hear how they’re challenging inequities and charting a new path forward for the next generation of female leaders.
