Congratulations to Lesley Rao, MD, division chief of pain management and professor of anesthesiology, and Tracey Stevens, MD, associate division chief of cardiothoracic anesthesiology and associate professor of anesthesiology, on completing the Pivotal Leaders Program for Division Chiefs and Section Heads at WashU Medicine, which concluded on May 8, 2026.
“Drs. Rao and Stevens are exceptional leaders. They are both dedicated to their colleagues and to the patients we serve. They are strongly committed to our quadripartite missions, and have driven recruitment and retention of both trainees and clinicians,” said Michael S. Avidan, MBBCh, the Dr. Seymour and Rose T. Brown Professor of Anesthesiology and head of the Department of Anesthesiology. “The Pivotal Leadership Program has given them the opportunity to hone their leadership skills, and to network with pivotal leaders across WashU Medicine.”
This nine-month leadership development program is designed to support Division Chiefs and Section Heads in navigating the complex responsibilities of their roles. As key drivers of culture, performance, and faculty and learner experience, these leaders engage in a structured, cohort-based journey that emphasizes both practical management skills and broader leadership growth.
“I am grateful to our department and the Office of Faculty Promotions and Career Development for investing in my leadership development through this program. The experience broadened my perspective and helped me build valuable skills and relationships that I look forward to using to better support our faculty, trainees, staff, and patients, and to thoughtfully navigate the challenges and opportunities we face as a division, department, and school,” said Stevens.
Through interactive sessions, 360-degree assessment, and dedicated executive coaching, participants refine their ability to lead effectively, foster strong teams, and drive meaningful impact across the institution.
“One of the most valuable parts of the program was the chance to learn alongside and build relationships with other division and section chiefs in our department and across our institution. The practical tools and new perspectives have been a springboard for continued growth as I work to show up every day as the best leader I can be for my division, our department, and WashU Medicine,” said Rao.
This initiative highlights WashU Medicine’s dedication to investing in its leaders by providing the tools, relationships, and support necessary for long-term success. We congratulate Drs. Rao and Stevens on this milestone and applaud their ongoing contributions to leadership at WashU Medicine.
