Lecture hall full of nicely dressed students showing their certificates
Leadership and Enrichment for Academic Diversity

LEAD is a joint venture between the Office of Admissions, the Office for Health Equity and Inclusion (OHEI) and the Office of Medical Student Education (OMSE). Admitted students should express interest in the LEAD program to the Office of Admissions for the Medical School. Selections will be offered and made at the discretion of the Dean and Office of Admissions.
For More Information
LEAD Program Goals
Give students an early introduction to the medical school environment and position them as leaders and mentors for their incoming peers.
Offer effective strategies and tools to bolster professionalism and leadership skills.
Increase student commitment to combat health disparities and inequities.
Empower students as advocates for their peers and themselves and integrate them early on into the lifeblood of our institution.
Students on a balance beam in the woods working together
Summer Programming

Students who are selected to participate in LEAD will arrive on campus two weeks before their White Coat Ceremony (typically, the first two weeks of July) to participate in the program. Summer LEAD topics and activities are adjusted annually to reflect feedback received from previous cohorts.

Some topics and activities from the past include:

A Welcome BBQ

Academic Success Advice

Personal Wellness

Navigating Finances as a Medical Student

Campus & Community Engagement Opportunities

Structuring a CV as a Medical Student

Panel Discussion with Medical Students

Interactive Team Building Opportunities (e.g., escape rooms; ropes courses)

Academic Year Programming

Throughout the academic year (September-May), OHEI hosts 5-6 LEAD events for M1 students who participated in the summer LEAD program.

Examples of past events include:

CV Writing Panel Discussion with M4s and House Officers

Casual chats with Faculty

Crucial and Challenging Conversations

Embracing Uncertainty and Dealing with Change

Mentorship, Coaching and Sponsorship

Goal Setting and Project Planning

Manuscript Writing Strategies

Social Outings
Auditorium full of students listening to a lecture and taking notes
What Makes LEAD Unique
Two diverse men conversing in a group off camera Health Equity and Inclusion

OHEI faculty and staff provide leadership, mentorship, and social justice advocacy development; exposure to social determinants of health; community building; and social identity development.
Row of students with focus on Black woman with braids wearing glasses and colorful scarf Learning to Lead

OMSE staff assist with leadership strategies, including setting goals, improving organizational skills, and providing techniques to grow as a leader and mentor peers in the transition to medical school.
Two college age students give each other a double high five in a field. Continued Support

Students who participate in LEAD receive ongoing support from OHEI and are encouraged to stay connected to their cohort throughout medical school to coordinate efforts, share best practices, and serve as support to one another.
Testimonials from Participants
Portrait of Krupa Patel
Krupa Patel, M1 (2023 LEAD Cohort)

"The LEAD pre-matriculation program has been transformative for me, providing invaluable opportunities to cultivate my leadership skills and engage with diverse perspectives. By fostering a supportive community and offering tailored resources, LEAD has empowered me to approach academic challenges with resilience and confidence, paving the way for personal and professional growth."
Portrait of Rija Awan
Rija Awan, M1 (2023 LEAD Cohort)

"My experience with LEAD was amazing! From the moment I stepped into the program, I was welcomed into a community of passionate individuals dedicated to personal and professional growth. As the first in my family to attend medical school, the pre-matriculation and longitudinal programs have also helped me gain a better understanding of how to navigate medical school."
Portrait of Sahil Tolia
Sahil Tolia, M1 (2023 LEAD Cohort)

"Participating in LEAD has allowed me to build meaningful relationships with my classmates and learn how we can use our diverse passions to tackle important challenges within medicine. LEAD’s mix of educational and social activities has helped me grow as a student, leader, and friend to others here at Michigan!"
Program News
Group posing outside in front of a fountain LEADing the Future of Medicine at Michigan

About a year ago, over fifty thousand pre-med students began the application process for medical school. In a time of immense uncertainty, social isolation, civil unrest, and fear of losing loved ones, applicants like myself experienced an added level of unpredictability...

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    • Man sitting at a table working on a laptop with a baby on his lap From Professional Football to Med School: A New Path LEADs to the Same Goal

    Not every path is linear, especially when it comes to going to medical school. Some students may move directly from their undergraduate into M1, others may take a few years off before entering the field...

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    • Group photo of students in a field Growing as a LEADer: From Non-Profit Management to Medical School

    Before coming to the University of Michigan Medical School, I spent three years building the nonprofit organization, Lunar Doula Collective (LDC)...

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