Dr. Afzali is the James F. Heady Professor of Medicine and Executive Vice Chair of Clinical Operations in the Department of Internal Medicine. He also serves as the Associate Chief Medical Officer for UC Health. An internationally known gastroenterologist, Dr. Afzali has conducted extensive clinical research on novel treatments for inflammatory bowel disease. He received his MD from the University of Washington and completed his Internal Medicine Residency and Gastroenterology Fellowship. He then earned a Master of Public Health from the University of Washington and a Master of Healthcare Administration from Harvard University. Dr. Afzali joined the faculty on July 1, 2022. He was previously the Abercrombie & Fitch Endowed Professor of Inflammatory Bowel Disease at The Ohio State University College of Medicine.
The ELH is one of two tracks in Drexel University College of Medicine’s Hedwig van Ameringen Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine (ELAM) program. Launching in 2022, ELH is designed for senior-level female leaders interested in advancing in hospitals and health systems, with a focus on clinical operations and care delivery. The other track, the Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine Fellowship, was established in 1995 and develops women for senior leadership roles in schools of medicine, public health, dentistry and pharmacy, with a focus on teaching and research at academic medical centers.
Afzali is the second School of Medicine faculty member accepted into the ELH course; Ndidi Unaka, M.D., professor of pediatrics, was a member of the ELH 2024 class.
“The need for the highest quality leaders in academic medicine has never been greater, and we are committed to filling that need by providing excellent and innovative leadership training for women,” said ELAM Executive Director Nancy Spector, MD.
Afzali said the ELH coursework aligns with her professional career aspirations and will help her expand her professional network to connect with other healthcare leaders. She believes her fellowship participation will provide valuable mentorship and collaboration opportunities. Additionally, the projects she will complete during the program will be applicable within her department.
“This program will provide me with the opportunity to directly apply these skills within my current organization,” she said. “I expect to see significant improvements in patient care, operational efficiency and overall organizational performance.”
Lifelong learning is important to Afzali, and despite his busy schedule as a department administrator, physician and researcher, he believes the extra effort in his fellowship will greatly benefit not only his own professional career, but the Department of Internal Medicine and the UC Health system as a whole.
“My passion and career purpose are central to my ability to effectively balance my work and this fuels my desire, focus and drive,” she said. “My primary goal is to improve patient care and make a lasting positive impact in all my roles and responsibilities. Focusing on this mission allows me to effectively manage my time, prioritize meaningful activities and drive significant improvement within my organization. I look forward to leveraging this ELH opportunity to continue to grow, lead and contribute to the advancement of healthcare at the highest level.”
