Physician Leadership Program – UBC Sauder School of Business

UBC Sauder Physician Leadership Program 

The UBC Sauder School of Business and the UBC Faculty of Medicine offer the Sauders Physician Leadership Program (PLP). The PLP takes approximately six months to complete, includes 9.5 days of in-person classroom and features a class size of 47 students. Offered biannually from September to April or from January to June, Island Health holds eight seats for each intake. Complete an Expression of Interest for yourself or a colleague to be considered for the program.


Supporting Your Medical Leadership Journey

Island Health is pleased to offer Physicians the opportunity to participate in the  Sauders Physician Leadership Program (PLP). We have exclusive access to eight seats in every PLP intake available to support the leadership development of Island Health Physicians. In a commitment to accessible education opportunities, program funding is available to physicians enrolled in the PLP program.


With more than 20 cohorts completed, the PLP program has inspired, energized and equipped Physicians with the leadership skills to excel in their career pursuits. Join the next cohort by completing an Expression of Interest.


Alumni Spotlight – Dr. Jodie Turner


Cohort 24 Class Valedictorian, Dr. Jodie Turner, Medical Director, Medical and Academic Affairs, presents her final project: Post Graduate Medical Education: Supporting Resident Doctors within Island Health 

 

Physician Leadership Program Highlights

  • 6 months to complete

  • Blended learning – virtual and in-person

  • Curriculum jointly created by B.C. Health Authorities, B.C. Patient Safety Quality Council, UBC’s Sauder School of Business and the UBC Faculty of Medicine 

  • Interdisciplinary approach combining medical knowledge with leadership skills. 

  • Focuses on teamwork, communication, and strategic thinking

  • Provides an in-depth understanding of healthcare leadership


Who can participate

The PLP program is available to:

  • physicians who are certified or fellows of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada who are actively and independently practicing in British Columbia, and

  • are assuming leadership positions within their health authority, and 

  • have completed basic management and leadership training (such as PMI), and

  • are looking to enhance their medical education with practical, innovative management skills.


Alumni Spotlight – Dr. Graham Blackburn

Cohort 24 graduate Dr. Graham Blackburn, Executive Medical Director, Cowichan Acute, Community and Redevelopment; Hospitalists/Family Practice MRP and Indigenous Health presents her final project: Reconciliation is a Journey 

 

Next Program Intake

Cohort 26: September 24th, 2026 – April 30th, 2027

This program will be delivered in a blended format, with in-person modules delivered at UBC Robson Square in downtown Vancouver, and real-time virtual modules delivered via Zoom:

  • Module 1:  September 24, 25 and 26, 2026  (In-person)

  • Module 2:  October 22, 23, and 24, 2026  (Virtual)

  • Module 3:  November 26, 27, 28, 2026  (In-Person)

  • Module 4:  April 30th, 2027  (Virtual - Final presentations and graduation)

Expressions of Interest for Cohort 26 close August, 21, 2026


How to apply

Complete an Expression of Interest for yourself or a colleague to be considered for the Cohort 26 intake by August 21st, 2026. 
 

Questions

For more information, please contact the Medical Staff Communications, Education & Development team at MedStaffDevelopment@islandhealth.ca