Few people in Atlanta’s history have made such a lasting impact as Robert W. Woodruff. This weekend we’ll celebrate what would have been Mr. Woodruff’s 131st birthday, remembering his legacy with gratitude as we do throughout the year.
In 2003, the Woodruff Health Sciences Center launched the Woodruff Leadership Academy (WLA) in honor of Mr. Woodruff and in recognition of his superb leadership ability. The WLA develops leadership competencies needed in an academic health center, as well as the interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills necessary to meet the challenges of the rapidly changing landscape in research, education, and health care. The screening process for this prestigious program is extremely selective, and the WLA Fellows are chosen from a large pool of stellar candidates each year.
The 2021 WLA Fellows, although they are already incredibly accomplished, recognize that there is always more to learn and that we can all become stronger leaders than we are today. The Fellows who have come through this program since its inception prove that principle; they are some of our institution’s most gifted leaders. As we find ourselves at a unique moment in history, we will need such skilled, resourceful, and determined leaders operating throughout our organization.
I already know a number of the Fellows, and I look forward to meeting and working with all of them in 2021 and beyond as they help advance Mr. Woodruff’s vision of improving quality of life for all the people we serve, providing value to our patients and the community, increasing Atlanta’s job opportunities and economic growth, and ensuring continued health and prosperity for the city, the region, and beyond.
Congratulations and best of luck to our 19th WLA class!
Please direct questions and comments to evphafeedback@emory.edu.
Jonathan S. Lewin, MD, FACR
Executive Vice President for Health Affairs, Emory University
Executive Director, Woodruff Health Sciences Center
CEO and Chairman of the Board, Emory Healthcare | 
