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Few people in Atlanta's history have made such a lasting impact as Robert W. Woodruff. This month we celebrate what would have been Mr. Woodruff's 129th birthday, remembering his legacy with gratitude as we do throughout the year. It was largely his vision, leadership, and generosity—now carried on by the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation—that made it possible for the Woodruff Health Sciences Center (WHSC) to become the top-flight academic health center it is today.
In 2003, WHSC launched the Woodruff Leadership Academy (WLA) in honor of Mr. Woodruff and in recognition of his superb leadership ability. WLA develops leadership competencies needed in an academic health center, as well as the interpersonal, communications, 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.
Although they are already incredibly accomplished, the 2019 WLA fellows (pictured below) 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, rife with challenges but also with great opportunity, we will need such strong, resourceful, determined leaders operating throughout our organization in order to achieve our tripartite mission.
Congratulations and best of luck to our 17th WLA class as they help the Woodruff Health Sciences Center and Emory University 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.
Finally, thanks to all of you for all that you do. Linda and I wish you a wonderful holiday season and joy in 2019.
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, President, and Chairman of the Board, Emory Healthcare | 
