Dineo Khabele, MD, head of the WashU Medicine Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, and Pamela K. Woodard, MD, head of the WashU Medicine Department of Radiology and director of WashU Medicine Mallinckrodt Institute of Radiology, have been selected as fellows in the 2026–2027 Hedwig van Ameringen Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine (ELAM) program at Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia.
This nationally recognized program prepares fellows for executive leadership roles in schools of medicine, dentistry, public health and pharmacy. Khabele and Woodard are among 99 faculty leaders selected for this year’s cohort.
An accomplished physician-scientist, Khabele, the Mitchell and Elaine Yanow Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, is known for her clinical and research expertise and passion for women’s health. She specializes in caring for patients diagnosed with gynecologic cancers and is a national leader in ovarian cancer research and treatment. Her efforts to advocate for and expand access to women’s healthcare extend throughout St. Louis and beyond.
Woodard, the Elizabeth E. Mallinckrodt Professor of Radiology, is a prominent figure in the field of radiology. Her research on cardiovascular imaging has made a significant clinical impact, leading to a new standard for diagnosing blood clots in the lungs, among other achievements. Woodard co-founded and led the Advanced Cardiac Imaging Fellowship, a post-residency fellowship at WashU Medicine for cardiologists and radiologists.
“Pam and Dineo are already exceptional leaders whose contributions to WashU Medicine extend far beyond their own departments,” said Renée Shellhaas, MD, the David T. Blasingame Professor and senior associate dean for faculty promotions and career development at WashU Medicine. “I’m proud that we can sponsor them for this experience, and I can’t wait to see what they bring back to our community. The ELAM fellowship will only amplify the impact they’re already making.”
To be accepted into the program, a fellow must be nominated and supported by the dean or another senior official of their institution. As part of the ELAM fellowship, Khabele and Woodard will attend three onsite sessions. In addition to the weeklong residencies, they undertake other professional development activities, including a significant institutional leadership project that provides an opportunity for them to test their new skills and learning.