FLEX

FLEX is a School of Medicine leadership development program for emerging and current leaders in clinical and academic settings who seek to enhance their leadership skills and executive presence.  The five full-day sessions invite the selected participants to dig deep in understanding their emotional intelligence and its role in leadership; develop a personal vision statement through guided articulation of one’s values, aspirations, and expertise; discuss and experience effective and dynamic executive presence skills; recognize sources of personal power in negotiations and difficult conversations; and develop an overall learning plan for moving into one’s desired future.

Classes are composed of approximately 12 individuals who are selected by a committee of FLEX graduates and others familiar with faculty development programs.  Criteria for selection is based on the individual’s ability to articulate short and long term goals or the challenges in describing those goals, sense of strengths and acknowledgement of personal barriers, and motivation and commitment to participating in the program.

 


Key Dates 2025

Applications Open: 6/4/2025

Applications Close: 8/25/2025

2025 Sessions

All Sessions are In Person 

  1. 11/19/2025: Values, Vision, and Mission Statement
  2. 1/21/2026: Emotional Intelligence                    
  3. 2/18/2026: Influencing Culture and Executive Presence
  4. 3/18/2026: Negotiations and Difficult Conversations
  5. 4/22/2026: Charting Your Path Forward  

  

 


Application Information

Q: Who is eligible?

A:  All those who hold a faculty appointment at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine are eligible for FLEX training.

Q: How do I apply?

Please submit your candidacy and accompanying materials through the online application which can be found at: https://cwru.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3miKZrNMclf8RM2

Please submit the following three (3) documents as PDF files to your application.

  1. Letter of Support from Chairman or Division ChiefThe letter must contain a commitment to allow the applicant time off from regular duties and assignments to attend the mandatory meetings and coaching sessions. These will include five (5) full-day sessions, plus (1) one-hour individual coaching sessions.
  2. Letter of Intent: Please provide a brief synopsis of how you believe FLEX will benefit you, why you have chosen to apply now, and how participation in the program might benefit your department or school.
  3. A current copy of your Curriculum Vitae

A note about applications: We are looking for applicants to provide thoughtful, personal responses about your own experiences. Our questions are designed to help show applicants’ motivation for being in the program, level of commitment to the university, and communication skills. We do not intend to share information with your Chair, Chief, or Dean. All application materials will be available to the review committee in order to select participants. The information in the electronic application form will be aggregated and de-identified before the program coaches and program leaders will have access to it. The program coaches will assess the information to tailor the curriculum to fit the unique needs of each class.

Q: What is the cost?

A: For those who fit the criteria and eligibility for FLEX and are selected, CWRU SOM will subsidize the cost of the program for participants. The tuition cost to participants is $2750 for the program, comprising approximately 5 days of workshops, relevant reading materials, and interactive sessions.

Q: What does Chair Sponsorship mean?

A: In the application process, you must provide a letter from your Chairman or Division Chief allowing you the time off from regular duties and assignments to attend mandatory classes and coaching sessions.

Q: What is a vision statement?

A: The optimal desired future state - the mental picture - of what you want to achieve over time; it provides guidance and inspiration as to what you are focused on achieving in five, ten, or more years.


 

The FLEX program taught me valuable strategies that I am utilizing in day-to-day interactions with colleagues and leadership. Each session gave ample time for self reflection and introspection. I was able to define my personal mission statement and further develop a personalized plan and path forward, both professional and personal. Meeting other professionals in various stages of their careers has led to fruitful friendships. I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in this course! 

                                                                           -2024 FLEX participant

 

 


Contact Us

Please contact us at sbf@case.edu or somfacdev@case.edu for any questions relating to the FLEX Program.