There’s a new class of physician leaders in Central Ohio! On June 26, 2025, the Physicians Leadership Academy (PLA) celebrated 17 remarkable graduates at a ceremony and reception at the Columbus Medical Association. Leaders, instructors, alumni, and supporters gathered to honor the Class of 2025—each physician having spent the last nine months investing in deep reflection, connection, and personal growth.

From early-career professionals to those nearing retirement, these graduates embraced the opportunity to step outside the demands of traditional medical leadership and into a program designed to be truly transformational. 

“I was apprehensive to get involved, especially with the time commitment, but I’m so grateful I did,” said Class of ’25 Graduate Dr. Miriam El-Rif. “The program gave me space to just be and reminded me who I am outside of work. PLA brought me back to myself.”

PLA is not a typical leadership course—it’s a unique, holistic experience that invites participants to rediscover who they are as human beings, not just as physicians. Rooted in complexity theory, mindfulness, and coaching, the program offers space to reconnect with purpose and regain a sense of agency in a profession that often feels isolating.

Click here to view  photos from the event.

Ready to Invest in Yourself? Registration is Open for the Class of ’26.
As we celebrate this class, we also look ahead. Applications are now open for the next PLA cohort. If you or a colleague are ready to step into a space designed for deep learning, genuine connection, and personal evolution, we invite you to learn more. PLA is for those who are ready to ask the hard questions, reflect deeply, and lead with authenticity. Visit physiciansleadershipacademy.org to learn more.

PLA Class of ’25 Graduates:

• Lauren Bar-Lev, MD, COPC Ohio Center for Pediatrics
• Michelle Birkenholz, DO, Columbus Metropolitan Obstetrics & Gynecology Inc
• Tiffany Corbean, MD, OPG Marengo
• Joshua da Silva, DO, Emergency Services, Inc.
• Megan Early, DO, OPG Primary Care Bexley
• Miriam El-Rif, MD, COPC Internal Medicine Group
• Michael Luy, MD,  MCMG Franklinton
• Pina Patel, MD, Ohio Health Physician Group
• Domenico Pietropaolo, MD, COPC Ohio Center for Pediatrics
• Mona Prasad, DO, OhioHealth OPG Maternal Fetal Medicine
• Haval Saadlla, MD Mount Carmel Pulmonary & Sleep Grove City
• Jennifer Sipos, MD, Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center
• Kristen Terranova, DO Mount Carmel OBGYN Grove City
• Peter Unkovic, DO,  Mount Carmel Heart & Vascular Specialists McNaughten
• Maria Waizmann, MD,  Mount Carmel Medical Group Westerville Maxtown
• Jason Winterhalter, MD, COPC Cherry Westgate Family Practice
• Misha Yajnik, MD, OPG Pediatrics Marysville

At the Columbus Medical Association and Affiliates (CMAA), we believe learning is more than just a stage in life — it’s a mindset. It doesn’t end when you graduate or put on your white coat. The drive to continue learning lays the foundation for strong leadership, sparks innovation, and bridges generations of healthcare professionals. That’s why this summer, we’ve embraced continuous learning not only as something we provide — but as something we live, grow through, and celebrate together.

In my May message, I shared that our organization had begun a journey to evolve — to remain a vital, trusted partner to our physicians and the broader community. We started by engaging a new public policy partner, who has already provided invaluable insights during these turbulent times. We also partnered with Dr. Mrunal Shah to learn directly from our physician members and ensure your voice is heard. He has held a number of one-on-one and group meetings and shared meaningful feedback. Stay tuned for more opportunities to share your perspective.

On June 30, we kicked off the next phase of this journey with our first visioning session with Just Bloom, an award-winning organization specializing in creativity and leadership development. CMAA staff, physician Board members across the affiliates, as well as community Board participants came together for a thought-provoking workshop designed to expand how we think, lead, and collaborate. These sessions will continue to guide us — using science-backed methods — to unearth a vision that both modernizes and honors our legacy.

That same spirit of lifelong learning was reflected on June 26, as we celebrated 17 physicians graduating from the Physicians Leadership Academy (PLA). These individuals dedicated nine months to personal growth, reflection, and peer learning — emerging with tools to lead with intention and compassion. 

Education also drives our work with the next generation. Our Made for Medicine students took their learning on the road in June, embarking on our first-ever HBCU Medical School and College Tour. Fifteen students traveled to Nashville and Atlanta, visiting historically Black colleges, universities, and medical schools — and connecting with professionals who reflected their aspirations. It was more than a tour — it was a transformative experience rooted in representation, access, and belief in their potential.

We continue to be inspired by the CMA Foundation’s Youth Advisory Council, a student-led body of 13- to 18-year-olds learning the ins and outs of philanthropy and grantmaking. These young leaders are gaining firsthand experience in how community investment can shape health and equity for years to come.

Our commitment to education and growth extends to medical school. We’re especially excited about our upcoming CMA Medical Student Specialty Fair this October. By polling medical students about their interests and inviting physician members to share their stories and insights, we’re creating a meaningful, two-way exchange that connects curiosity with experience.

Our CMA Practice Managers Group continues to convene for educational sessions that provide real-world value. These gatherings have featured several of our strategic partners in legal and communications — all collaborating to support physician practices across Central Ohio.

While COTS leaders continue to champion life-saving disaster preparedness funding, they also remain focused on what they do best: preparing our emergency responders to act swiftly and save lives. Find out more about their educational offerings here. 

As we continue the essential work of planning for the future of our organization, we never lose sight of the day-to-day value CMA provides: empowering physician, supporting practices, and nurturing growth at every stage.

Learning will remain a constant in everything we do — not just because it prepares us for tomorrow, but because it brings us together today.