Stacey McCall listens in at the Clinic Leadership Institute.

Every year, three million people receive medical care at California's 800 community clinics.

Imagine if the heads of these clinics disappeared, leaving the health centers without the leadership that's directed them for the last few decades. With potentially 70 percent of these clinic directors transitioning out of their roles over the next decade, it's a scenario that could be a real possibility.

To close this leadership gap, Blue Shield of California Foundation is partnering with UCSF's Center for Health Professions (CHP) to create the Clinic Leadership Institute (CLI). Through an initial grant of $1.39 million, UCSF will help administer the development of emerging leaders in community clinics. The project, which will total $10 million by its end, aims to prepare more than 200 individuals for executive leadership roles.

"We're not just providing a grant," says Brenda Solórzano, director of the health care and coverage program for Blue Shield of California Foundation. "We're providing resources that will have repercussions for the next 10 to 15 years as these emerging leaders guide the community clinics to the next level."

CLI participants meet six times over the course of the 18-month program, taking classes in subjects such as financial management, strategy and conflict management, among others. In addition to their regular clinic responsibilities, participants also must complete homework and meet with an executive coach.

"Blue Shield of California Foundation and CLI demand a lot from the participants over this 18-month program," says Kellan London, PhD, a leadership development associate at CHP. "It really is a strong, collaborative effort across so many different groups and people. It's an impressive thing. Our center is very proud to be involved."

London hopes that CLI will help strengthen clinic leadership, develop greater networks within the community clinic field in California, and better develop the safety net that cares for those who do not have health coverage. The communities these leaders serve are diverse – in terms of ethnicity, size and budget. Through the program and beyond, participants will be able to look to each other for support and guidance – something that will be key as the role of clinics shifts in the coming years. Solórzano believes with the health care industry looking to control costs, community clinics will serve as models. "If we can prepare these emerging leaders to represent the new standard in health care, that will be success in our foundation's perspective," she says.

Ginger Smith describes a drawing that represents when she was 10 years old, 10 years ago, the present, and where she sees herself 10 years from now.

Participants in the Clinic Leadership Institute, from left: Lucresha Renteria, Amy Peeler, Brenda Shipp, Ana Zeledon Friendly, Elvira Ogletree and Theresa Anaya

To support CLI, contact Maura O'Donnell at 415/476-3322 or MOdonnell@support.ucsf.edu.

Photos by Noah Berger