Programs: Leadership Training Academy
Purpose of the Academy
The Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health Leadership Training Academy prepares physicians to become lifelong leaders in reproductive health advocacy. Through an intensive program, the Academy helps its Fellows develop and internalize the skills and attributes they need to be powerful, effective advocates for comprehensive reproductive and sexual health care.
Academy Highlights
- Firsthand advocacy experience
- Visits with lawmakers in state capitals and Washington, DC
- In-person sessions and webinars
- Opportunities to improve medical education and share best practices in reproductive and sexual health care with peers
- On-camera media trainings
- Chances to educate the public about contraception, abortion, STIs, and other aspects of sexual and reproductive health
- Collaboration with physicians around the country and across specialties
- Opportunities to build and strengthen coalitions between organizations
- Guidance from experts in medicine, advocacy, leadership, and communications
Who Can Apply
The Leadership Training Academy is open to:
- Physicians entering the second year of a Fellowship in Family Planning, those in their first year of a Fellowship if they already have an MPH degree and prior approval from their direct supervisor, and alumni of the Family Planning Fellowship. The Leadership Training Academy program, including travel and lodging expenses, is available at no cost to Family Planning Fellows and alumni through funds from a categorical grant.
- Practicing physicians or participants in fellowships other than Family Planning who are able to cover their own travel and lodging; the grant does not cover these expenses for this group of physicians. Also, these physicians are required to pay a $500 registration fee (includes training materials and meals.)
Note: The Academy has one full scholarship to cover the expenses of an applicant who is not a Family Planning Fellow.
In addition to meeting the requirements above, applicants should have already demonstrated great potential as leaders and worked to improve reproductive and sexual health care. Further, applicants should be ready, willing, and able to be confident, visible, and tenacious ambassadors for reproductive and sexual health.
Space in the Leadership Training Academy is limited. The program runs annually from September through June.
The Application
WE ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE CLASS OF 2013
If you would like to be added to our mailing list to be the first to know about when you can apply for next year’s LTA class, and to learn about other advocacy opportunities, please sign up here, or email Libby Benedict at libby@prch.org.
To be considered as a candidate for acceptance in the Leadership Training Academy, you must submit:
- Three letters of reference
- Your curriculum vitae
- The Leadership Training Academy Application
Mission
Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health founded the Leadership Training Academy to foster future generations of self-driven physician leaders who will work throughout their careers to defend and advance comprehensive reproductive and sexual health care.

History
PRCH has been helping doctors become physician-advocates since its inception in 1992. Formalized in 2003, our leadership training program has graduated nine classes of doctors equipped to advance reproductive and sexual health care in their home institutions and beyond.
Questions
If you have questions about the Leadership Training Academy, please contact:
Libby Benedict
Director of Leadership Training Networks
Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health
55 W. 39th Street, 10th floor
New York, NY 10018
Office: 646-649-9923
Cell: 415-990-6502
Email: libby@prch.org
Honor Physicians
Help us recognize Eve Espey, MD, MPH, and Willie Parker, MD, MPH, MSc, at the 2013 Rashbaum-Tiller Abortion Provider Awards.
Video: Pre-Roe Doctors
The documentary Voices of Choice features physicians and advocates who witnessed women's suffering before Roe v. Wade. They helped as many women as they could obtain safe abortions.
Who We Are
PRCH is a doctor-led national advocacy organization. We use evidence-based medicine to promote sound reproductive health policies. We believe in reproductive choice for everyone.
Show Your Support
Sign the Abortion Provider's Declaration of Rights. Stand up for patients seeking abortion and those who provide that care.
Most Popular
Choice Words
“Whether she aborts or doesn’t abort, she’s going to have a lot of regrets ... [I]t’s terribly important that this decision not be made by fat, middle-aged men sitting in their ivory tower.”
William K. Rashbaum, MD, from “In His Own Words”





