The inaugural cohort at WashU Medicine – Department of Medicine has completed the Pivotal Leaders Program for Division Chiefs and Section Heads, which concluded on May 8, 2025.
- Chien-Huan Chen, MD, Professor of Medicine, Associate Director of Clinical Affairs
Director, General GI, Director, Patient Safety and Quality, Director, Small Bowel Endoscopy ProgramDivision of Gastroenterology - Matthew Ciorba, MD, Professor of Medicine, Director, Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Center
Director, IBD Research, Director, DDRCC Organoid and Genome Editing Core, Associate Director, GI Fellowship Program and T32 Research, Division of Gastroenterology – Irritable Bowel Section - Stephen T. Oh, MD, PhD, Co-Chief, Associate Professor, Division of Hematology
- Sumanth D. Prabhu, MD, Lewin Distinguished Professor of Cardiovascular Diseases
Chief, Division of Cardiology, Professor of Pathology and Immunology, Cardiologist-in-Chief, Barnes Jewish Hospital, Cardiovascular Division - Matthew Walter, MD, Edward P. Evans Endowed Professor of Myelodysplastic Syndromes; Section Director – Stem Cell Biology Section
This nine-month program supports division chiefs and section heads in strengthening the medical school’s culture, advancing faculty success, enhancing learner experience, and improving departmental operational effectiveness.
“I am grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in the inaugural cohort of the Pivotal Leaders Program. Through a series of highly interactive workshops and lectures focused on topics such as networking, mentoring, sponsorship, change management, and finances, I was able to build, practice, and refine my leadership and management skills. As part of the program, I underwent a 360 degree evaluation, and I found the feedback to be quite instructive. Learning my strengths, weaknesses, and blind spots as a leader has been enlightening. This program has given me the tools to be a more effective leader.”
Stephen T. Oh, MD, PhD
The Pivotal Leaders Program blends tactical knowledge with leadership development, offering training and frameworks to help participants lead with clarity, confidence, and impact. The curriculum covered key topics such as strategic leadership, financial management, mentorship and coaching, and more. Participants also completed 360-degree evaluations and received individualized executive coaching to support their ongoing growth and long-term success.
“The Pivotal Leaders Program was instrumental in helping me identify my strengths and weaknesses, allowing me to refine and enhance my leadership skills. The program also equipped me with tools to bring out the best in my team. Additionally, connecting with other leaders in the school and having the opportunity to peer mentor each other has been incredibly valuable.”
Chien-Huan Chen, MD, PhD
Click on the photos to enlarge in rotator.
With this leadership development initiative, WashU Medicine illustrates its commitment to empowering leaders with the tools, relationships, and support they need to succeed. We offer our sincere congratulations again to Drs. Chen, Ciorba, Oh, Prabhu and Walter on this achievement and their continued dedication to leadership at WashU Medicine.