National Leadership Conference for the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists

About the ACOG National Leadership Institute

ACOG National Leadership Institute
Program History

Robert Cefalo

Robert Cefalo, MD 
1934-2008


Professor, Obstetrics and Gynecology 

School of Medicine
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

 

The ACOG National Leadership Institute is named for one of its founders, good friend, advisor, and leader in medical practice, Dr. Robert C. Cefalo. Bob was passionate about leadership development and about helping obstetrician-gynecologists have the tools they need to make real and lasting change in the world for the betterment of patients, colleagues, and society.

The ACOG National Leadership Institute was established in 2006 at the request of the current ACOG president, Dr. Vivian Dickerson. Dr. Dickerson saw the need for the development of strong leadership skills for physicians of all experience levels as a means for effectively advocating for women's health and the OB-GYN profession.


Dr. Vivian Dickerson

vivian dickerson

Vivian M. Dickerson, MD

ACOG President 2006 and Founder of the Robert C. Cefalo ACOG National Leadership Institute


"Power is sometimes confused with leadership. While the former may be usurped, bestowed, or sometimes even purchased, the latter is a privilege that must be earned. The skill sets that are inherent in good leadership are not well taught in medical school or residency. However, if we as OB-GYN's are to advocate effectively for women's health and for our profession, we must learn these skills and meet together with other leaders, both young and mature, to effectively impact the future of medicine. This was a theme of my ACOG Presidency and it is with this in mind that I requested the creation of a Leadership Institute. I hope that the training and the fellowship that is achieved during our first workshop will help to solidify ACOG's role in the future of medicine. Even more, I hope that as Junior Fellows and Young Fellows learn right alongside current ACOG leaders and Fellows, lifelong bonds will be created and participants will continue to encourage each other and to effectively lead in our ongoing advocacy efforts within organized medicine, medical schools, hospitals and the halls of Congress."