2026 IPALA Leadership Academy
The IPALA Leadership Academy runs over 8 months, from March till October 2026. It covers an important leadership topic each month, with a 1 hour theory session online (and recorded) early in each month followed up later in the month by a 1 hour reflection session online in a small facilitation group that scholars will be allocated to based on region. Timing of the reflection session will be determined individually by each group.
Overview of modules:
Module 1: Introduction
Learn about the IPALA leadership program and explore key attributes of leaders, the challenges they face, their personal leadership journey, strategies they have found useful to be successful. Introduction to Mentorship Program.
Recording available here: https://uonewcastle.zoom.us/clips/share/ZEVNsl-wRsy3WNtl059--g
Module 2: Managing self and others
Before leading others, you must understand yourself. This module develops emotional intelligence, communication skills and resilience which are essential tools for managing teams, navigating conflict and giving meaningful feedback. Practical strategies will help you balance performance with wellbeing in demanding clinical environments.
Module 3: Quality and safety
High-quality care requires courageous leadership. Using real paediatric case examples, this module makes quality improvement practical and accessible. You’ll learn how to lead safer services, supervise effectively, and implement tools that create measurable improvements in your own department.
Module 4: Advocacy in Child Health Leadership
Paediatricians are powerful advocates for children and families. This module explores systemic inequities in healthcare and leadership, and equips you with practical strategies to influence change, from your hospital to broader health policy. Learn how to move from awareness to action.
Module 5: Being an effective academic
Balancing clinical work, research and teaching can feel overwhelming. This session provides strategic approaches to building a sustainable and successful academic career. Learn how to manage high expectations, develop others, and create a meaningful professional legacy.
Module 6: Leading in learning
Education is a core leadership responsibility. This module introduces modern medical education principles, curriculum design and assessment strategies. Gain the confidence to design, deliver and evaluate teaching that truly shapes the next generation of paediatricians.
Module 7: Research Enabling
Clinical insight should translate into research impact. This module guides you in turning clinical problems into research questions, building collaborations, writing competitive grants and publishing effectively. Develop the tools to shape the future of child health research.
Module 8: Conclusion and Debrief
Leadership growth is only meaningful if it transforms practice. In our final session, participants reflect on change achieved, share insights and refine their ongoing leadership goals. You’ll leave with clarity, confidence and a clear next step in your leadership journey.
Registration for the 2026 academy is now closed.