UAB Department of Surgery Associate Professor Annabelle Fonseca, M.D., MHS, has completed the Johns Hopkins Strategic Healthcare Leadership program, a four-month immersive experience that prepares experienced healthcare professionals for the next steps in their career.

Fonseca was sponsored by the Association of Women Surgeons (AWS) to complete the coursework.

“This experiential learning opportunity has afforded me the framework to engage in continued dialogue on topics often less explored by surgeons, like artificial intelligence and strategic management of global healthcare system operations,” says Fonseca. “I have gained valuable insights from the Leadership Program and am truly grateful to AWS for the opportunity."

Fonseca obtained her medical degree from Padmashree Patil Medical College in India. She completed her residency in general surgery at Yale University and subsequently completed a fellowship in complex general surgical oncology at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Fonseca leads a research laboratory focused on identifying barriers preventing timely, high-quality care for gastrointestinal cancers, especially foregut cancers. By examining these factors, Fonseca aims to create strategies that enhance access to quality cancer care for all patients.

About the Johns Hopkins Strategic Healthcare Leadership course

The Johns Hopkins Strategic Healthcare Leadership program is designed to equip professionals, including physicians, with the hands-on skills and knowledge required to tackle today's unique challenges in healthcare. This course enhances strategic thinking, problem-solving, operations management, and budgeting skills for aspiring healthcare leaders.