Yale New Haven has expanded one of its most successful leadership development initiatives — Yancy Forums — into the Well-being, Engagement & Leadership Development (WELD) program. It represents another example of YNHHS’s commitment to supporting medical professionals throughout our network.
In Yancy Forums sessions, participants team with their peers in a secure, confidential environment to tackle challenges and discover solutions they can apply to their professional and personal lives.
Since 2019, Yancy Forums has led multiple Physician Forums at YNHHS, including the highly successful Black & Hispanic Physicians Forum and Black Male Residents/Fellows Forum. Founder E. J. Yancy and his team of skilled moderators have facilitated the Forums in a variety of organizations, in multiple sectors, over the past 30 years.
The key to the Forums’ remarkable success is creating a supportive psychological and emotional safe space for participants. This allows open and honest discussions in which members gather voluntarily to share their greatest challenges and opportunities with peers and develop effective solutions together.
“When I meet with the members of these Forums,” says Michael E. Ivy, MD, executive sponsor of YNHHS’s WELD program, “they’re engaged in its work and grateful for the chance to be part of this unique initiative for high-performing professionals with leadership potential.”
The Forums employ a proven structured, defined process that prompts participants to advise and encourage their colleagues, hold each other accountable, and form bonds of trust. They typically span over nine months, kicking off with a three-hour orientation, followed by monthly 3- to 4-hour Zoom calls or face-to-face sessions, along with a two-day/overnight off-site retreat.
“Ultimately, these Forums develop trusted and meaningful connections that enhance the spirit of community and belonging throughout Yale New Haven Health,” added Dr. Ivy.
For more information about Yancy Forums and the YNHH WELD program, please contact Dr. Ivy at 203-384-3717 or [email protected].
