Physician Leadership Development

Fiscal Year April 1, 2025 - March 31, 2026 Update

In August 2024, the Physician Leadership Scholarship Program paused application intake. Due to significant growth in program demand over the year, the program fully committed its budget earlier than anticipated. The PLSP advisory panel conducted a strategic review to improve processes, parameters, and criteria and promote more equitable access to funding for FY 2025/26 and beyond.

The PLSP will resume intake of applications on April 7, 2025. While the process remains similar for applicants, there are key changes to our funding criteria and guidelines worth noting:

• Applications will be prioritized based on the start date of the requested learning activity. All requested learning activities are subject to review by a physician panel to determine applicability against program criteria, including the LEADS framework.

• The maximum reimbursable amount for conferences and courses has been adjusted to $5,000 per applicant, per fiscal year.

• One-to-one leadership coaching services are capped at $5,000 and remain a one-time benefit.

• Master's program participation has been adjusted to be a one-time benefit. The maximum reimbursable amount for this benefit remains $20,000.

• The Physician Leadership Scholarship Program will continue using the LEADS framework to assess the funding eligibility of courses, conferences, and other learning opportunities for physicians, to ensure that they align with the program’s objectives.

• PLSP operates on a fixed budget as allocated by the Shared Care Committee. In the event PLSP’s budget is fully allocated before the end of the fiscal year, the program will cease accepting applications until the start of the next fiscal year, unless otherwise stated.

Please read through our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for more information, or contact the JCC Training team.

Program evaluation is continuous, and we want to hear from you. Please complete the program feedback form to help shape PLSP's future.

If you have recently completed a learning activity sponsored through the scholarship program, please complete the participant experience survey to help guide future leaders in their development.

Frequently Asked Questions

Purpose

The Physician Leadership Scholarship Program (PLSP), jointly funded by the Specialist Services Committee and the Shared Care Committee, provides funding for courses, conferences, coaching programs, and Master's programs for physicians. The program focuses on: 

• Developing the skills needed by future physician leaders  
• Helping existing physician leaders mature in their skill sets. 
• Fostering a culture of continuous quality improvement. 
• Providing educational support that prepares physicians to address the issues and challenges of the ever-changing health landscape. 
• Understanding and integrating evidence-based practices into leadership roles. 
• Developing advocacy skills to advance policies and initiatives that effect positive change in the health care system. 

LEADS Framework

The PLSP has opted to support the concepts explained through the LEADS Framework, which provides a holistic model for leadership development by blending both technical and interpersonal skills within a health care context. It emphasizes five key domains: Lead Self, Engage Others, Achieve Results, Develop Coalitions, Systems Transformation.

Lead Self

Lead self: this component focuses on the core competencies required for effective leadership which includes setting direction, aligning goals and objectives, and inspiring and motivating others. Leaders who excel in this domain demonstrate vision, strategic thinking, and the ability to mobilize teams towards shared goals.

Self-motivated leaders are aware of their own assumptions, values, principles, strengths, and limitations. They manage themselves and take responsibility for their own performance and health. They actively seek opportunities and challenges for personal learning, character building and growth while modelling qualities such as honesty, integrity, resilience, and confidence.

Recommended courses:

• The Physician Leadership Institute (PLI) offers numerous courses which are updated regularly. Check back often.
• Cornell University Online Certificates.
• University of Athabasca Leader Development Program.
• The University of British Columbia Sauder Executive Education Courses.
• IHI Creating Workforce Joy and Well-Being.

Engage Others

Engage others: this component focuses on the ability to engage stakeholders, which is essential for building relationships, fostering collaboration, and driving organizational change. It emphasizes the importance of communication, listening and creating an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives and values are respected. 

Engaging leaders work to support and challenge others to achieve professional and personal goals that will contribute to the creation and maintenance of healthy organizations. They can create engaging environments that are open to contributions from all. They can really listen and facilitate environments of collaboration and cooperation to achieve results.

Recommended courses:

• The Physician Leadership Institute(PLI) offers numerous courses which are updated regularly. 
• Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA) and their Physician Leaders courses. 
• University of Athabasca Leader Development Program. 
• The University of British Columbia Sauder Executive Education Courses. 

Achieve Outcomes

Achieve outcomes: this component is defined by a shared vision for change, a crisp articulation of the future state, and the ability to communicate the needed results. Competencies in the areas of delivering outcomes, managing performance, and driving continuous improvement are crucial.

Leaders who excel in this domain set high standards, monitor progress, and adapt strategies as needed. They accomplish this by setting an inspiring vision, and by identifying, establishing, and communicating clear and meaningful expectations and outcomes. Understanding how to integrate organizational missions and values while using reliable, valid evidence to make decisions is also a key competency. Leaders appreciate the value of measurement and subsequent evaluation of outcomes.

Recommended courses:

• SSC Physician Quality Improvement Initiative (PQI). 
• Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) courses. 
• HQBC Quality Academy.
• PLI Systems Leadership courses.

Develop Coalitions

Develop coalitions: this component is defined by building and maintaining relationships at a strategic level that span various programs, across and between relevant organizations, and which can include patients and families, and the public. It is the ability to connect with others to move change forward.

Collaborative leaders are purposeful in building needed partnerships and networks to ensure results. These leaders foster a culture of learning and development, employing their skills in facilitating collaboration, cooperation, and coalitions among diverse groups and perspectives. They know how to gather needed background information that will encourage open exchange of information and use quality evidence to influence action across the health care system. By being politically astute, they can negotiate through conflict and mobilize support.

Recommended courses:

• Cornell University Online Certificates. 
• University of Athabasca Leader Development Program. 
• The University of British Columbia Sauder Executive Education Courses. 
• Clear Leadership. 

System Transformation

System transformation: this component is defined by the skills a leader needs to address change dynamics. Systems transformation is a strategic capability often seen through development of policy, procedures, and structural changes that influence the culture of the workplace.

As issues are identified, leaders look to design and implement effective changes and processes across systems. Through the creation of a climate of continuous improvement, they are skilled at scanning the environment for ideas, best practices, and emerging trends that will shape the system. They understand how to actively champion and orchestrate changes that improve health service delivery.

Suggested courses:

• University of Athabasca Leader Development Program. 
• The University of British Columbia Sauder Executive Education Courses. 
• UBC Master of Health Administration. 
• University of Toronto Rotman School of Business Health Leadership Program. 
• IHI Chief Quality Officer Professional Development Programme. 

Funding

Criteria for Approval

• The program provides support to physicians interested in leadership and advanced QI development.  
• Applicants must be active members of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada or the College of Family Physicians of Canada and be practicing in BC. 
• The requested learning activities must be offered by recognized academic institutions, professional bodies, and/or quality improvement organizations in accordance with the LEADS framework.  
• The content must be relevant to British Columbia health care provision. 
• The learning activities goals and objectives must align with the LEADS framework. 
• Applications must be approved prior to participating in a learning activity.  
• The PLSP must be the sole source of funding for the requested learning activity. 

What is excluded?

• Retroactive applications.
• Learning activities with a research focus.  
  • Physicians can contact UBC CPD for assistance. 
• Learning activities with a clinical focus. 
• Compensation for attendance time or travel time, i.e. Sessional claims. 
• Reimbursement to organizations that hold or develop custom courses. 
• Repeat participation in a one-to-one coaching service or Master's program (once-per-lifetime benefit).
• Physician multi-source feedback activities, e.g. 360s. 
• Learning activities where funding has been provided by an alternate source. 
• Learning activities that are outside the LEADS scope of development. 
• Courses relating to teaching in a university setting, for either medical students or residents. Physicians may approach UBC Faculty of Medicine’s Faculty Development to enquire about resources or supports.

Courses and Conferences

• Funding is available for both in-person and virtual courses and conferences that align with the LEADS framework and/or advanced Quality Improvement learnings.  
• The maximum reimbursement for course and conference participation is $5,000 per learning activity. 
• All expense receipts and proof of completion must be submitted for successful reimbursement processing. 

Closer to Home Initiative

Access to physician leadership development opportunities is a priority of the Joint Clinical Committees. Through this initiative, the Physician Leadership Institute (PLI) is contracted to facilitate learning activities in local areas, enabling physicians to acquire essential leadership skills while minimizing time away from clinical practice and home life. 

Important things to know about the Closer to Home Initiative:  

• Physician sessional and travel time are not supported through the PLSP. 
• Post-course evaluation is a program requirement for all participants.
• Applications require a maximum of eight weeks of processing time.
• Please complete and submit the inquiry form. 
• A letter will be provided communicating the decision and next steps where applicable. Please wait for the letter before making any financial commitments.  

Leadership Coaching

Coaching is a goal-oriented process that focuses on specific areas of development. Within the context of PLSP, coaching must focus on higher-level, workplace-specific skills.  
Applications for this one-time service require the following supporting documents. Note: missing documents will result in delayed processing times.  

Required documents: 

• The selected coach's bio/CV.    
• A coaching quote with a breakdown of costs, which include total hours, hours per session, anticipated length of the coaching relationship and total dollar amounts (including taxes).
• Proof the selected coach is certified through the International Coaching Federation (ICF).

Additional conditions:

• Coaches must be certified through the ICF.
• The scholarship supports one application per lifetime for one-to-one coaching services. Repeat coaching applications are not eligible for funding.
• The applicant must be entering into or currently holding a leadership position.
• The maximum reimbursement for this one-time service request is $5,000. It is recommended that the selected coach has experience coaching individuals in a health care leadership role.

Master's Programs

When considering taking on the challenge of a Master's program to augment physician leadership development, physician applicants should be aware that:

• The program must have a core focus on leadership or advanced quality improvement skill development. Programs focusing on research or clinical skill building fall outside of the scholarship mandate and will not be funded. 
• Confirmation that a physician is currently in, actively preparing for, or entering a leadership role is required.
  
  Applicants may demonstrate intent through:
  • A personal statement outlining their leadership goals and how the master’s program supports their development.
  • A letter of support from a supervisor or medical leader confirming their intent or potential to take on a leadership role.
• Approved Master’s applications are subject to the PLSP’s Funding Disbursement Policy.
• The scholarship supports one application per lifetime for Master's programs. Repeat applications are not eligible for funding.
• Retroactive applications will not be accepted. 

General Application Process

1. Interested physicians complete the online application form. 
2. We recommend a complete application be received at least two months prior to the start date.  
3. A decision on your application will be determined and communicated to you within four weeks of receipt. 

It is recommended that the reorganization of professional and personal commitments be delayed until you have received a letter of approval.  

Reimbursement Process

1. The program operates on a reimbursement model. All applicants must be willing to incur costs upfront until the completion of the approved learning activity. 
2. A link to the claim form is provided at the date of completion of the learning activity; please refer to the finance policy for information on eligible expenses. 
3. After completing the approved learning activity, applicants must provide proof of completion, the completed Expense Reimbursement Claim Form, and all applicable expense receipts to the JCC Training team. 
4. To receive reimbursement, all necessary supporting documentation must be received within three months of completion of the approved learning activity. 
5. Funds are reimbursed through electronic funds transfer (EFT), with payment taking place two to four weeks after the claims review process is complete. 
6. The applicant will receive a confirmation of payment. 

We strongly encourage applicants to submit complete documentation in accordance with the finance policy to expedite reimbursement.  

Missing receipts, incomplete or inaccurate information, and other submission issues will result in delayed processing times. 

Evaluations

Your feedback is essential to the ongoing program improvements and evaluation of learning activities. Please complete our PLSP program feedback survey if you have suggestions for program improvements.  

FAQs

If I don't claim the full $5,000 CAD for my selected learning activity, can the remaining funds be rolled over to another application within the same year?

Yes. An individual claim cannot exceed the annual maximum of $5,000 per applicant. For example, if your submitted claim total is $3,000, you would be eligible for up to an additional $2,000 for the remainder of the fiscal year.

If I don't claim a total of $5,000 CAD within the fiscal year, can the remaining funds be rolled over to the following fiscal year?

No. Applicants are eligible to receive a maximum of $5,000 per fiscal year. All totals are reset each fiscal year.

If I find multiple conferences that I would like to attend, how much would I be eligible to claim?

Each requested learning activity is subject to review for approval by a physician panel. If an applicant is approved for multiple learning activities, they cannot claim more than $5,000 CAD in one fiscal year. Each application is subject to review; the applicant's spend-to-date would be considered to determine available funding for the remaining fiscal year.

Can I participate in a Master's program and still be eligible to attend a conference or another course during the same period?

No, Master's programs are eligible for up to two reimbursements of $10,000. If an applicant receives a $10,000 reimbursement, they would not be eligible for additional funding within the same fiscal year.

If I am receiving funding support for one-to-one leadership coaching services, am I eligible to attend a conference or course during the same time period?

If the approved one-to-one leadership coaching services do not exceed $5,000, the applicant would be eligible to receive the difference in additional funding support within the same fiscal year. However, an additional application would need to be submitted and approved for additional learning activities such as conferences or courses.

Can my family accompany me to learning activities that are funded by the PLSP?

Yes. However, only the approved applicant's expenses are eligible to receive reimbursement.. 

Can the scholarship funding be provided to me prior to participating in the leadership course?

No. Eligible expenses are not reimbursed until the approved learning activity is completed. Receipts, with conversion into Canadian Dollars (if appropriate), must be submitted to support a smooth reimbursement process. 

Is there a recommended list of courses and conferences?

We have provided a list of popular courses under each component of the LEADS framework on the PLSP webpage. Conferences are assessed annually to determine applicability.  
To inquire if your selected conference is eligible, please email JCC Training team with the conference website.

Are virtual courses/conferences eligible for funding?

Yes, successful applicants will receive reimbursement for tuition/registration fees for approved virtual courses and conferences.  
Note: Expenses beyond registration/ tuition fees for a virtual learning activity are not eligible for reimbursement.   

Can scholarship funding be used to fund a Master's program?

Yes, Physicians interested in applying to fund a Master’s program should consider the following: 

• The program has a core and primary focus on leadership or quality improvement and meets basic scholarship criteria. 
• The applicant meets the current PLSP approval criteria 
• Confirmation the applicant will be entering into or currently holds a leadership position. 
• Applicants must have previously completed some leadership or quality improvement training, preferably within Canada. 
• Preference is given, but not limited to courses with a Canadian context from a Canadian institution.

How long does the process take?

Application review may take up to 4 weeks of processing time. 

Reimbursement claims may take up to 3 weeks, provided all relevant documentation has been submitted.   

Incomplete submissions will result in delayed processing times. 

What are the limits on funding and expense policies?

Funding for physicians is available each fiscal year. Only one claim can be made per learning activity, even if the activity spans multiple fiscal years (except Master’s programs). Expense reimbursements are processed upon completion of the approved learning activity. 

Eligible expenses include tuition, meals, accommodation, and travel 

See a full breakdown of the scholarship’s expense policies. 

What is the Funding Disbursement Policy

Eligibility:
Only applicants who have been formally approved to participate in a Master’s program are eligible to receive funding under this policy.

Funding Amount:
Approved applicants are entitled to receive a maximum of $20,000, distributed in two equal instalments of $10,000 each.

Disbursement Schedule:

• First Instalment: $10,000 will be disbursed upon submission and verification of the applicant's first full year course transcripts.
• Second Instalment: The remaining $10,000 will be disbursed upon submission and verification of proof of course completion.

Documentation Requirements:
Applicants must submit the following:

• Tuition/ registration receipts.
• Official course transcripts.
• Proof of course completion for the final instalment.

Compliance:
Failure to meet submission or verification requirements may result in delayed or forfeited disbursements.

Review and Amendments:
This policy is subject to periodic review and may be amended as necessary.

Apply Now

Contact

If you have any questions regarding the Physician Leadership Scholarship Program, please email JCC Leadership Training or call 604-736-5551.

Useful Links

Quality Improvement

• Institute for Health Care Improvement (IHI)
• Health Quality BC

Leadership Development

• Physician Management Institute (PMI)
• UBC Sauder Physician Leadership Program