

Updated October 2, 2023
Successfully leading academic sections and departments requires complex skill sets that do not flow automatically from traditional training programs or academic experience. Leaders of large academic units may lack sufficient mastery in finance, career development and practice organization for optimal success. Additionally, there is a paucity of individuals in leadership positions who have been impacted by life experiences related to discrimination, low socioeconomic status, or underserved environments*.
The Unified Leadership Training for Diversity (UNLTD, or "unlimited") Program, was founded by Dr. Mark Linzer, former Division Chief of General Internal Medicine at Hennepin County Medical Center, and developed by the Disparities Task Force (DTF) and the Minorities In Medicine (MIM) Interest Group, for two reasons:
- Diversifying the faculty is a goal shared by virtually every major academic organization
- Diversifying leadership is an effective way to diversify faculty, and ultimately promote a climate that will lead to diversity in medical students
*Those under-represented in medicine include those who have been impacted through life experiences such as discrimination, socioeconomic status or currently or historically underserved environment. Examples include low income household or locale, first-or second generation higher education student, low access to health care, food and proper nutrition, or disability.