Physician Leadership Development Academy Class of 2025

In its fourth year, the Physician Leadership Development Academy (PLDA) recently celebrated its Class of 2025 cohort. Launched in January 2022, PLDA provides training for physicians who’ve been identified as possessing strong leadership qualities and demonstrated ability to promote and implement change.

Founded by Stevan Whitt, MD, senior associate dean for Clinical Affairs and MU Health Care Chief Medical Officer, PLDA helps physicians develop leadership competencies, enhance strategic thinking, foster effective communication and strengthen team relationships.

“We’re thrilled to see PLDA continue to grow and assist physicians in strengthening their leadership skillset,” said Whitt. “The academy’s framework emphasizes three aspects for our cohort – lead yourself, lead others and lead the organization. Over the four-month curriculum series, physicians enhance their leadership abilities and are ready to positively impact their organization.”

In partnership with the Office of Well-Being, the cohort meets once a month from January-May to complete a learning series led by members of executive leadership and guest speakers. Discussion topics include communication styles and skills, emotionally intelligent leadership, strategic planning and navigating complex systems. Participants also work in small groups to identify and develop quality improvement initiatives for their departments.

This year’s graduation event featured remarks from guest speakers, PLDA alumni and leaders from the University of Missouri School of Medicine and MU Health Care. Class of 2025 graduates also gave final presentations on their “Quality Improvement” project, aiming to improve patient care.

Ross Zafonte, DO, executive vice dean of the School of Medicine, addressed PLDA participants on the importance of clinician leadership.

“To the newest PLDA cohort, your commitment to gaining leadership expertise is vital not only for your career but for the overall future of healthcare,” said Zafonte. “As future leaders, your insight, integrity and compassion will help shape the systems that provide care for generations to come.”

Over its four years, the PLDA has seen its cohort grow from 26 physicians in 2022 to 32 physicians in 2025. This year’s class expansion included three physician assistants, recognizing the important role of Advanced Practice Providers as leaders in their units.

Cohort participants must be nominated by their department chair, medical officer, ancillary staff or a past PLDA participant, and confirmed by their department chair and the PLDA faculty committee.

Congratulations to the Class of 2025 cohort

• Thomas Andrews, MD – Family and Community Medicine

• Daniela Bichianu, MD – Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

• Meelie Bordoloi, MD – Psychiatry

• Megan Clary, MD – Pediatrics

• Walter Coats, DO – DOCP Community Practice

• Steven DeFroda, MD – Orthopaedic Surgery

• Rushabh Dev, MD – Surgery

• Seth Freeman, MD – Family and Community Medicine

• Margaret Goodrich, MD – Emergency Medicine

• Neha Goyal, MD – Medicine

• Julia Halsey, MD – Medicine

• Jared James, MD – DOCP Community Practice

• Soumya Kattikat, MD – Pediatrics

• Deborah Krause, DO – DOCP Community Practice

• Sean Lanigar, MD – Clinical Neurology

• James Lear, PA – Physician Assistant

• Daniel London, MD – Orthopaedic Surgery

• Steven McAfee, MD – Anesthesiology

• Megan McMahon, MD – Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology

• Ani NaThalang-Pinon, DO – DOCP Community Practice

• Van Thi Nguyen, MD – Clinical Pathology

• Chaitanya Panchangam, MD – Pediatrics

• Dixie Phillips, PA – Integrated Medicine

• Heather Pierce, MD – Family and Community Medicine

• Vikas Satyananda, MD – Surgery

• Michelle Seithel, PA – Physician Assistant

• Maggie Sevrin, DO – Clinical Instructor

• Wesley Thompson, PsyD – Psychiatry

• Nicole Tuve-Nelson, DO – Surgery

• Daniel Walker, MD – Pathology and Anatomical Sciences

• Brice Windsor, DO – Family and Community Medicine