Congratulations to Anne Drewry, MD, vice chair and division chief of critical care medicine, and Nicole Durko, MD, associate division chief of obstetric anesthesiology and associate professor of anesthesiology, on completing the inaugural Pivotal Leaders Program for Division Chiefs and Section Heads at WashU Medicine, which concluded on May 8, 2025.
Designed specifically for division chiefs and section heads, the nine-month program supports these leaders in strengthening the medical school’s culture, advancing faculty success, enhancing the learner experience, and improving operational effectiveness across departments.
For Dr. Drewry, one of the most valuable aspects of the program was its relevance to everyday leadership.
“I really appreciated how grounded the program was in the day-to-day realities of leading a division,” said Dr. Drewry. “We weren’t just talking theory—we were learning from real scenarios and hearing from people who’ve faced similar challenges. The chance to connect with peers in that environment was energizing and very helpful.”
That sense of connection and growth was echoed by Dr. Durko, who found the program especially meaningful in refining her leadership approach and mentoring style.
“This experience has helped me clarify how I want to show up as a leader—especially in mentoring others and creating a healthy team culture. Having that space to reflect, get feedback, and learn alongside peers was impactful, and it’s encouraging to be part of a community so committed to investing in leadership excellence.”
The Pivotal Leaders Program blends tactical knowledge with leadership development, offering training and frameworks to help participants lead with clarity, confidence, and impact. The curriculum covered key topics such as strategic leadership, financial management, mentorship and coaching, and more. Participants also completed 360-degree evaluations and received individualized executive coaching to support their ongoing growth and long-term success.
This leadership development effort underscores WashU Medicine’s commitment to equipping leaders with the tools, relationships, and support needed to thrive. Congratulations again to Drs. Drewry and Durko on this achievement and their continued dedication to leadership at WashU Medicine.