25 physicians from across the country complete a transformative leadership program designed to strengthen physician leadership, influence health policy, and drive meaningful change in healthcare for their patients.

BOSTON, November 10, 2026 — The Physicians Foundation proudly announces the graduation of the inaugural cohort of The Physicians Foundation Leadership Institute (PFLI) at The Heller School for Social Policy and Management at Brandeis University. The program brought together 25 physicians from across the country to develop their leadership skills, deepen their understanding of health policy and management, and strengthen their ability to advocate for patients and elevate the physician perspective in healthcare decisions.

Launched to empower practicing physicians to become more influential leaders within their organizations, communities, and the broader healthcare system, PFLI offers a unique opportunity to expand physicians’ impact beyond the exam room. Through two in-person residencies, monthly virtual learning sessions, and peer coaching, participants strengthened their understanding of healthcare policy, organizational leadership, and key drivers of health impacting patients. They developed skills to elevate the physician perspective in healthcare decision-making, helping to shape policies and systems to better serve patients.

“Physicians bring invaluable firsthand perspectives to the challenges facing our healthcare system, and their voices must be central to shaping its future,” said Dr. Gary Price, president of The Physicians Foundation, “The inaugural Leadership Institute cohort represents an extraordinary group of physicians who have demonstrated a commitment not only to advancing their own leadership skills, but also to creating meaningful change for their patients, colleagues, and communities. We are incredibly proud of their accomplishments and look forward to the impact they will make across healthcare.”

Beyond the program’s formal curriculum, PFLI fostered a national network of physician leaders united by a shared commitment to improving healthcare. Graduates leave the program with new perspectives, meaningful professional connections and a community of colleagues who will continue to collaborate, exchange ideas and support one another as they advance in their leadership journeys.

The Physicians Foundation congratulates the following 25 physicians who completed the inaugural Leadership Institute cohort:

• Hans Chin Arora, MD, PhD (North Carolina)
• Jeffrey Paul Cashman, DO (South Carolina)
• M. Mayes DuBose, MD (South Carolina)
• Nefertiti duPont, MD, MPH (Texas)
• Kennedy Ganti, MD, FAAFP, FHELA (New Jersey)
• Casey Gokey, MD (Alaska)
• Kristin Lynch Grimes, DO (Louisiana)
• Donaldo M. Hernandez, MD, FACP (California)
• Joseph Maxwell Hendrix, MD, MBA, MS (Texas)
• Cynthia Jumper, MD (Texas)
• Albert Li, MD, FASRS (New Jersey)
• Ashley Lucas, MD, FAAP (Louisiana)
• John J. Meier IV, MD, MBA (North Carolina)
• Sheila Marie Magoon, MD (Texas)
• Mirna Mohanraj, MD (New York)
• Sergio Bennett Navarrete, DO (Virginia)
• Julie Nguyen, MD (Texas)
• Jubril Oyeyemi, MD, FHELA (New Jersey)
• Bradford Patt, MD, FACS (Texas)
• Jillian Ploof, DO (Louisiana)
• Kinga Porter, DO (Florida)
• Joseph Aryeh Rosenbaum, MD (New Jersey)
• Meghan Schott, DO, DFAACAP, FAPA (Utah)
• Rajamalliga N. Lee Sharma, MD, MA (Alabama)
• Nancy Jane Wright, MD, FAAP (New Mexico)

The completion of this inaugural cohort marks an important milestone in The Physicians Foundation’s ongoing commitment to advance physician leadership and ensure physician perspectives are represented in decisions shaping healthcare. Through PFLI, the Foundation is helping to prepare physician leaders to drive meaningful change across the healthcare system, strengthen the practice environment, and ultimately improve care for patients. Learn more about The Physicians Foundation Leadership Institute, here.

About The Physicians Foundation 

The Physicians Foundation is a public charity seeking to advance the work of practicing physicians and help them facilitate the delivery of high-quality health care to patients. As the U.S. health care system continues to evolve, The Physicians Foundation is steadfast in strengthening the physician-patient relationship, supporting medical practices’ sustainability and helping physicians navigate the changing health care system. The Physicians Foundation pursues its mission through research, education and innovative grant making that improves physician wellbeing, strengthens physician leadership, addresses drivers of health and lifts physician perspectives. For more information, visit www.physiciansfoundation.org.