2026
Senior Medical Staff Leader Forum
April 19-22 | Denver, Colorado
Lead with clarity. Influence with confidence. Transform your organization.
The Senior Medical Staff Leader Forum equips senior medical staff leaders with the skills, strategies, and connections to solve today's challenges and create lasting impact, starting the moment you return home.
April 19-22, 2026 | Denver, Colorado
2026 Senior Medical Staff Leader Forum
Lead with clarity. Influence with confidence. Transform your organization.
The Senior Medical Staff Leader Forum equips senior medical staff leaders with the skills, strategies, and connections to solve today's challenges and create lasting impact, starting the moment you return home.
Strategies. Solutions. Success.
The countdown to the Forum is over!
00
Days
00
Hours
00
Minutes
00
Seconds
CHOOSING THE SENIOR MEDICAL STAFF LEADER FORUM
Where Leaders Become Legacy-Builders
Senior medical staff leadership isn't learned in theory alone—it's built through shared experience, practical tools, and trusted guidance. This forum delivers real-world solutions to today's most pressing leadership challenges through expert insight, peer collaboration, and future-focused learning.
Hardenbergh's Senior Medical Staff Leader Forum turns insights into action.
2026 AGENDA
The Leadership Forum: Four Days to Shape Your Future
Spend four days advancing your leadership skills.
Start with the 1-day Fundamentals Intensive for a crash course in credentialing, peer review, MEC leadership, and hospital finances, or dive into the 2.5-day Forum to tackle physician wellness, dyad leadership, behavioral challenges, and more.
Explore the agenda and choose the path that best fits your leadership journey.
MEDICAL STAFF LEADER FUNDAMENTALS INTENSIVE AGENDA
| April 19, 2026 | A Common Knowledge Base: Nuts and Bolts of Medical Staff Leadership | |
| 8:30-8:50 | Welcome & Intro: The Organized Medical Staff's Role in Assessing & Supporting Current Clinical Competence |
| 8:50-9:40 | Credentialing and Privileging |
| 9:40-10:30 | Effective, Collegial, and Educational Peer Review |
| 10:45-11:30 | MEC Functions and Responsibilities - Overseeing All Aspects of Clinical Care |
| 11:30-12:15 | Fundamentals of Healthcare Finances |
| 1:15-1:45 | Supporting the Medical Staff Office |
| 1:45-2:30 | By-Laws, Rules & Regs, Policies & Procedures, Fair-Hearings and the Role of Hospital Counsel |
| 2:30-3:15 | Clinical Departments: Supporting Effective Department Chairs and Section Chiefs |
| 3:30-4:00 | Interacting with and Influencing Your C-Suite and Hospital Board, Why It Matters |
| 4:00-5:00 | Troubleshooting Panel: On-Call, Critical Incidents, Survey Readiness, Others |
SENIOR MEDICAL STAFF LEADER FORUM AGENDA
| April 20, 2026 | Leadership Skills and Versatility: Building a Team of Effective Medical Professional Leaders | |
| 8:30-8:40 | Welcome and Course Overview |
| 8:40-9:15 | Identifying & Developing Medical Staff Leaders |
| 9:15-10:15 | Effective Leadership Styles for Physician Leaders: Finding Common Ground with Fellow Leaders and Clinical Staff |
| 10:30-11:15 | Leadership Authenticity and Versatility |
| 11:15-12:00 | Chiefs of Staff & CMOs - Understanding Roles and Responsibilities |
| 1:00-1:45 | Role of Coaching & Mentoring in Clinical & Leadership Practice |
| 1:45-2:30 | Preparing for Leader Turnover and Transitions and Maintaining Institutional Memory |
| 2:45-3:15 | Unique Challenges in Leading Facilities of Varying Sizes and Locations |
| 3:15-3:45 | Engaging APPs as Vital Members of Your Care Team |
| 3:45-4:30 | Panel: Putting the Pieces Together for a Successful Leadership Team |
| April 21, 2026 | Making a Difference and Taking Care of Ourselves: Creating a Culture of Professionalism, Collegiality and Clinical Excellence | |
| 8:30-9:00 | A Structured Approach to Improving Clinical Outcomes |
| 9:00-9:30 | Making Sense of Publicly Reported Measures |
| 9:30-10:15 | High-Reliability Organizing - Creating a Culture of Consistency to Improve Safety, Quality, and Experience |
| 10:30-11:15 | Leading Leaders - Emotional Intelligence and Insights into What Really Matters |
| 11:15-12:00 | Psychological Safety - Developing Effective Teams to Deliver Better Results |
| 1:00-1:45 | The State of Physician and APP Wellness - Tools to Address Physician/APP Engagement and Wellness |
| 1:45-2:30 | The Future You: Your Path Forward as a Person, Physician and Leader |
| 2:45-3:30 | How AI Can Help Restore the Human Side of Medicine |
| 3:30-4:15 | Addressing Behavioral Outliers: Making Critical Conversations Less Difficult |
| 4:15-5:00 | Panel: Highs and Lows: Managing the Wellbeing of Your Team and Yourself |
| April 22, 2026 | Putting it All Together: What Does the Future Hold and What Will Your Legacy Be? | |
| 8:30-9:30 | Updates - Healthcare Policy and Legislation Affecting Medical Leadership |
| 9:30-10:15 | Influencing Your Hospital's Culture, Leading by Example & Creating a Legacy |
| 10:30-11:30 | Panel: Career Paths in Leadership Roles - Shaping Your Future and What Lies Ahead |
| 11:30-12:00 | When I Get Home - First Three Things I Will Do |
Taking Care of Ourselves and Making a Difference
Putting it all Together: The Future and Your Legacy
Bringing everything together with a focus on the future of medical leadership and the legacy you'll leave behind.
From policy updates and shaping culture to exploring career paths and personal next steps, you’ll gain insights and inspiration to influence change and define your leadership journey.
MEET THE MINDS BEHIND THE FORUM
Featured Faculty & Speakers
This Forum was created by brilliant minds and extensively experienced physicians who know firsthand the challenges medical leaders face. Our physician faculty bring real-world expertise, proven leadership, and practical strategies designed for immediate impact.
Built by physicians, for physicians—so you leave ready to lead on day one.
Donald Lefkowits, MD, FACEP
Dr. Lefkowits received his undergraduate degree, medical degree, and completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire. He began his career in Emergency Medicine in 1980 and has practiced at Rose Medical Center since 1984. During his tenure at Rose, Dr. Lefkowits served as a member of the hospital Board of Trustees, President of the Medical staff, Chair of the Credentials Committee, and Chair of the Peer Review committee. He supported hospital and medical staff functions by chairing fair hearings, providing crisis management and press interactions, and developing and nurturing physician leadership programs. As Medical Director of the Emergency Department, Dr. Lefkowits oversaw a growth in volume from 30,000 annual visits to 45,000. He put in place state of the art Cardiac, Stroke and Trauma alert programs and helped the Rose ED lead the way in programs to enhance ED throughput and patient safety and satisfaction metrics. In 2008, Dr. Lefkowits was honored in 5280, The Denver Magazine, as the Top ED Doctor in Denver. Dr. Lefkowits is Board Certified in Emergency Medicine and Internal Medicine and currently serves as the Immediate Past President of the Colorado Medical Board.
Brock Bordelon, MD, FACS
Dr. Bordelon attended the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, followed by a general surgery residency at the University of Utah School of Medicine. While in Salt Lake City, he completed a fellowship in minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Bordelon is certified by the American Board of Surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, the Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, and the Society of American Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Surgeons, among other regional and national professional societies. He has practiced general and minimally invasive surgery in Colorado Springs since 1994, and has served as the Chief of Surgery, a member of the Medical Executive Committee, and the Citizenship Committee, among several other hospital medical staff functions. He has been named as a “Top Doctor” by his peers in Colorado Springs Style magazine. Dr. Bordelon was a member of the Colorado Medical Board for four years and served as the chair of one of the board’s inquiry panels during that time.
Carrie Horn, MD
Dr. Horn is the Chief Medical Officer and Chief of the Division of Hospital Internal Medicine at National Jewish Health. She earned her medical degree from the University of California, Davis, and completed her Internal Medicine Residency at the University of Colorado. Board-certified in Internal Medicine, Dr. Horn has been with National Jewish Health since 2008 and became Division Chief in 2018.
She has served as Deputy Chief Medical Officer of Clinical Operations and is actively involved in professional organizations, including the Society of Hospital Medicine and the American College of Physicians. Dr. Horn has published multiple articles and presented at various medical conferences, specializing in hospitalist and internal medicine.
Chandu Vemuri, MD, FACS
Sharon Beckwith
Sharon Beckwith is the President of Peer Review and Clinical Quality Consulting at The Hardenbergh Group. She is a distinguished leader with over 25 years of experience in business management within the healthcare sector. As an industry expert in external peer review and medical peer review practices, Ms. Beckwith has developed a reputation for expertise in Medical Staff Quality. She actively engages with healthcare clients, providing strategic solutions to address their medical staff needs, quality improvement initiatives, risk management challenges, and peer review processes.
Sharon is a highly regarded national speaker, regularly presenting at state medical staff service associations and the National Association Medical Staff Services (NAMSS) national conference. Her powerful insights and practical strategies have made her a sought-after expert, where she effectively shares her extensive knowledge and best practices in peer review and medical staff oversight.
She is committed to advancing the standards and effectiveness of medical peer review through education and collaboration, empowering healthcare organizations to navigate the complexities of quality assurance and clinical competency. Her dedication to excellence in healthcare delivery positions her as a trusted partner for hospitals looking to enhance their peer review practices and improve patient outcomes.
Sharon is a graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Steve Quach, MD
Prior to founding CLG, Dr. Quach spent almost a decade as the CEO of CarePoint Health, a multi-specialty physician group which is headquartered in Colorado and Utah, providing services across the nation. Dr. Quach was previously the Chief Medical Officer at Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center (P/SL) in Denver, Colorado and Vice President/Chief Medical Officer for the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) Health System in Galveston, Texas. His primary professional interests include physician leadership development and quality improvement in health care delivery.
Dr. Quach’s experience in health care quality improvement includes leading a team in the submission of an application for the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award while serving as the Director of Quality Management for the Department of Internal Medicine at UTMB. His training in the field of health care quality improvement includes completion of the Advanced Training Program conducted by Intermountain Health. Dr. Quach received certification as a Patient Safety Officer upon completion of this program.
From a leadership development perspective, he is proud to have been a founder of the Physician Leadership Academy at UTMB. In 2019, he co-authored a book titled “The DNA of Physician-Leadership” which describes the challenges of transitioning from clinician to leader while offering insights into the core competencies most crucial to successful physician-leadership. Dr. Quach brings years of experience in coaching health care and physician leaders and is a certified executive coach through Columbia University’s 3CP coaching program.
Chris Thomson, MD, MBA, FACEP
Gwen Dooley, MPM, NP, ACC
Gwen Dooley, Chief People Officer at CarePoint Health, is a dynamic and innovative leader, recognized for her visionary leadership in shaping organizational strategy and culture. She excels at cultivating high-performing teams, developing forward-thinking strategies, and resolving complex challenges with creativity and purpose. Beyond her role at CarePoint Health, Gwen is a passionate advocate for women in leadership, currently serving on the Women in Healthcare Board of Directors.
Her career began as a Nurse Practitioner after earning a Master of Science in Nursing from Regis University. She then pursued further education, earning a Master's in Project Management and Leadership from Colorado State University. Prior to her current position, Ms. Dooley was the Chief Operating Officer for Radiology Imaging Associates in Denver, Colorado.
As a certified Executive Coach through the University of Texas at Dallas and a nationally recognized speaker on leadership, Gwen empowers leaders to engage in strategic thought, act with courage, and create a lasting impact.
Barbara Martin, PhD, ACNP-BC, MPH
Nicholas Testa, MD
Dr. Testa is a healthcare leader with extensive experience in emergency medicine. He serves as the Divisional Chief Medical Officer for Common Spirit Health in Southern California, overseeing 18 hospitals. Previously, he was Chief Physician Executive at Dignity Health for six hospitals and Chief Medical Officer at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center. Dr. Testa holds a medical degree from New York Medical College and completed his residency at LAC+USC Medical Center. He is board-certified in Emergency Medicine and has received several awards for his leadership.
Monique Diaz, MD
Dr. Monique N. Diaz is a board-certified physiatrist and clinical informatics physician executive with extensive expertise in population health, digital health, and value-based care. Currently serving as VP Regional CMIO of California at CommonSpirit, she has led initiatives such as expanding robotic process automation (RPA), ambient scribes, and point-of-care AI agents. Dr. Diaz also pioneered virtual visits at Dignity Health during the COVID-19 pandemic and is pursuing a Master's in Innovation and Entrepreneurship at HEC Paris. She is skilled in leveraging data analytics, technology, and strategic leadership to optimize healthcare delivery and improve patient outcomes. Dr. Diaz is originally from the City of Chicago and currently resides on the Central Coast of California with her husband, 3 kids, and rescue dog.
Sean L. Hansen, MD
With over three decades of service to CHI, Dr. Sean L. Hansen, M.D. embodies the spirit of a dedicated career hospitalist, a respected physician leader, and an impassioned advocate for the joyful practice of medicine. As the Upper Central Region Medical Director for Hospital Medicine Operations, Dr. Hansen expertly leads a multi-site hospitalist practice of over 160 providers, serving the Central Region of CommonSpirit Health, encompassing Nebraska, Iowa, North Dakota, and Minnesota. He also shares his expertise as a Clinical Assistant Professor at Creighton University School of Medicine.
Dr. Hansen is deeply committed to provider engagement and well-being. His dedication to enhancing the work environment for healthcare professionals is truly inspiring, and he plays a pivotal role in cultivating a culture of support and wellness within the organization.
Marijka Grey, MD, MBA, FACP
Patrick Kneeland, MD, SFHM
Anders Gilberg
Pranav Mehta, MD, MBA, FACHE, CPE
Registration Options
Medical Staff Leadership Fundamentals Intensive
$1,500
$1,300 Early Bird Rate
till 12/31
April 19, 2026
Includes:
- Registration for one person
- All intensive event sessions
- Breakfast, lunch, and refreshments
Senior Medical Staff Leader Forum
$2,500
$2,250 Early Bird Rate
till 12/31
April 20-22, 2026
Includes:
- Registration for one person
- Opening welcome reception
- All main event sessions
- Interactive leadership panels
- Monday night networking dinner
- Daily breakfast, lunch, and refreshments
Full Forum Experience
$3,700
$3,500 Early Bird Rate
till 12/31
April 19-22, 2026
Includes:
- Registration for one person
- All intensive event sessions
- All main event sessions
- Opening welcome reception
- Monday night networking dinner
- Interactive leadership panels
- Daily breakfast, lunch, and refreshments
Plan Your Trip
Our hosting hotel, The Jacquard, Autograph Collection, is nestled in Denver's vibrant Cherry Creek neighborhood. The nearest major airport is Denver International Airport (DEN); approximately 24 miles away by car, with a typical drive time of around 34 minutes.
Prefer public transit? You can take the RTD A Line commuter rail from DEN to Union Station in about 37 minutes, then complete the journey downtown via taxi or rideshare.
Access to the forum hotel room block will be available upon registration.
