Leadership is more than just holding a title.
It’s about taking initiative, inspiring others, and creating positive change.
Health professional schools are looking for applicants who can lead with integrity, communicate effectively, and work collaboratively to improve the systems and communities they’re part of. Whether you’re guiding a clinical team, advocating for patients, or contributing to public health initiatives, leadership will be central to your role as a future healthcare professional.
Admissions committees seek candidates who have demonstrated leadership because it shows you can:
- Motivate and support others
- Take responsibility in high-pressure or dynamic environments
- Communicate and collaborate effectively across teams
- Reflect on your actions and grow from experience
Finding Leadership Opportunities
Leadership doesn’t require a formal position or years of experience. It can happen anywhere you’re taking initiative or supporting others.
Some ways to get started include:
- Join URI’s Center for Student Leadership Development: This incredible team helps you build leadership skills through workshops, peer collaboration, and reflection. It’s a great foundation for growing into leadership roles across campus and beyond.
- Pursue a Minor in Leadership Studies: This academic program complements your major and gives you a strong framework in leadership theory and practice.
- Get Involved in Clubs and Organizations: Taking on an executive board role (like president, treasurer, event coordinator) or leading a project within a student org demonstrates your ability to organize, delegate, and support a team.
- Lead Through Experience: Leadership can also be shown through:
- Supervisory roles in jobs or internships
- Training or mentoring new employees
- Military service
- Coordinating volunteer efforts or community outreach
- Taking the lead in group research or service-learning projects
What Leadership Might Look Like
Leadership comes in many forms. You might be:
- Leading a health awareness campaign for your club
- Training new volunteers at a clinic or shelter
- Coordinating a community service project
- Advocating for student needs in a campus committee
- Serving as a peer mentor or tutor
No matter where you start, the key is to take initiative, stay accountable, and support others in achieving a shared goal.