Leading Innovations in Health Care & Education
- Harvard Macy Institute
Strengthen leadership and strategic decision-making skills by applying design thinking and change theories like disruptive innovation in this immersive, in-person program for educational leaders in health care.
- In Person
This program requires in person attendance.
Boston, MA
Please see more program fee information below.
Continuing Education Credits
37.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™
A Certificate of Completion is also awarded.
Six Days
The program will be held on campus in Boston over the course of six immersive days.
On This Page
Overview
Innovating in health professions education requires more than content expertise—it demands an interdisciplinary understanding of healthcare systems, evolving educational landscapes, and the leadership skills to drive lasting change. This immersive program, developed in collaboration with Harvard Business School faculty, equips educational leaders with practical tools and fresh perspectives to navigate complexity and lead transformative initiatives within their institutions. Through hands-on learning, participants explore the principles of design thinking and apply influential business theories—such as disruptive innovation—to strategic decision-making and change management. The program combines case-based teaching, collaborative group work, and global perspectives to foster a rich, collegial learning environment that empowers educators to lead effectively in both academic and clinical settings.
Learning Objectives
- Utilize design-thinking to develop user-centered, learner-centered, and patient-centered initiatives in health professions education
- Describe the theory of disruptive innovation and identify opportunities to apply it within the context of health care and education
- Recognize the importance of organizational culture in understanding institutional readiness for change
- Identify leadership strategies and styles that foster systemic educational innovation
- Leverage interdisciplinary insights, international trends, and global best practices to support strategic decision making and innovation
About the Program
Developing strong leadership skills is essential for navigating the rapidly changing worlds of health care, technology, and education. Featuring expertise from Harvard Business School faculty, this immersive program empowers educational leaders with practical tools and fresh perspectives to drive and sustain meaningful change.
Participants engage in hands-on learning that integrates design thinking and business frameworks—such as disruptive innovation—into strategic decision-making and change leadership. The program combines Harvard Business School’s signature case-based teaching, global insights, and a high-touch, collaborative learning environment.
Program Format
Participants engage in group innovation projects, gaining hands-on experience developing learner-centered initiatives and actionable change plans. The curriculum integrates leadership, innovation, organizational culture, educational technology, and personalized electives.
Learning formats include case-based discussions, interactive presentations, and panels. Daily meetings with institutional peers support collaborative action planning. A key feature of the program is the informal, cross-disciplinary exchange among international participants and expert faculty.
Who Should Apply
Ideal for health professions educators, administrators, and change agents who are leading or supporting innovation in education, this course is designed for individuals seeking to apply design thinking and business strategies to drive meaningful, lasting change within their institutions. It is especially suited for those in leadership roles looking to navigate complex educational and healthcare systems with greater creativity, strategy, and impact.
Program Faculty
The program is led by a distinguished teaching team of experts in medical education, who bring a wealth of experience and a commitment to supporting your growth as an educator and leader in the health care field.
Josh Nagler
MD, MHPE
- Division of Emergency Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital
- Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Emergency Medicine, Harvard Medical School
Derek Van Bever
BA, MA, MBA, MDiv
- Senior Lecturer of Business Administration
- Director, Forum for Growth and Innovation Harvard Business School
Program Fee
Program fees do not include airfare, accommodation, meals, or educational materials. Review Cancellation Policy
| Program Fee | |
|---|---|
| Priority Enrollment Deadline: February 18, 2026 | $6,000 |
| Final Application Deadline: April 15, 2026 | $6,400 |
“I have learned to appreciate the value of being a member of such a quality community. By observing the program organizing strategies at HMI, I found a suitable model of excellence for medical education programs.”
Leading Innovation in Health Care and Education Alumnus Joshua Owolabi
Learner Stories and Insights
Interview with Leading Innovation in Health Care and Education Alumna Malaya Santos
"The Leading Innovation in Health Care and Education program was life-changing, because it taught me the science and the art of leading innovation in the face of tremendous change and uncertainty."
Interview with Leading Innovations in Health Care & Education Scholar Alvaro Garcia-Romero Perez
"Understanding the process of how innovation starts and how individuals and cause change is highly important and can be impactful within the medical field."
Request Information
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Accreditation
The Harvard Medical School designates this live activity for a maximum of 37.75 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
For the purpose of recertification, the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board and American Nurses Credentialing Center accept AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ issued by organizations accredited by the ACCME (Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education). We would also suggest that learners check with their state licensing board to ensure they accept reciprocity with AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ for re-licensure.
The National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) states that AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™ are acceptable for continuing medical education requirements for recertification. We would also suggest that learners check with their state licensing board to ensure they accept reciprocity with AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ for re-licensure.
The American Medical Association (AMA) has an agreement of mutual recognition of continuing medical education (CME) credit with the European Union of Medical Specialties (UEMS). Additional information regarding this agreement may be found on the European Union of Medical Specialties website.
The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada recognizes conferences and workshops held outside of Canada that are developed by a university, academy, hospital, specialty society or college as accredited group learning activities.