The Department of Orthopaedics at UBC is proud to introduce the Ascent Leadership Development Program (Ascent), a new initiative designed to equip early- and mid-career faculty with the tools they need to lead effectively in today’s complex healthcare environments.
This 12-month program responds to a growing need for leadership training that extends beyond technical expertise. With clinician shortages and increasing resource pressures in Canada, the ability to manage teams, communicate clearly, and lead through uncertainty is more critical than ever. Research shows that non-technical skills such as situational awareness, teamwork, and conflict management directly influence patient outcomes. Ascent aims to close this gap and foster confident, compassionate leaders across UBC Orthopaedics.
The program is led by internationally recognized faculty, Dr. Peter M. Waters and Dr. Steven L. Frick (Atrium Health Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Charlotte, NC), in collaboration with UBC leaders Dr. Carrie Kollias, Dr. Nic Dea, and Dr. Kishore Mulpuri. Together, they will guide participants through a curriculum that blends reflection, experiential learning, simulation, and case-based discussions.
“This program is about building not just individual leaders, but a culture of leadership across our department,” says Dr. Kollias. “We want to empower faculty to guide teams with confidence and compassion in the most challenging surgical settings.”
Program Highlights
- Duration: 12 months (January–December 2026)
- Format: 3 in-person seminars + 3 virtual sessions (March, August, November 2026)
- Pre-Work: PRISM personality assessment, reflective writing, and 360° feedback
- Themes: self-awareness, team building, conflict management, and leading in VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous) conditions
- Participants: 8 UBC Orthopaedics faculty selected annually
Beyond structured training, Ascent emphasizes community building. Participants will join a peer network of faculty leaders, share experiences across subspecialties, and gain mentorship from senior faculty. Graduates will leave with a leadership toolkit, hands-on facilitation experience, and the confidence to navigate difficult conversations.
Application Information
- Eligibility: Early- to mid-career UBC Orthopaedics faculty
- Application Deadline: November 17, 2025
- Notification Date: December 12, 2025
- Contact: Dr. Carrie Kollias, Program Director: carrie.kollias@cw.bc.ca