Sara Petruska selected for executive leadership in academic medicine fellowship

The University of Louisville School of Medicine (ULSOM) joins institutions across the country in celebrating Academic Medicine week, led nationally by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). This week, we’re highlighting Sara Petruska, associate dean of admissions and professor in the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women’s Health, on her selection to the 2026-2027 Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine (ELAM) program at Drexel University College of Medicine.  

A nationally recognized and highly selective fellowship, ELAM is the only longitudinal program in North America dedicated to preparing leaders for senior-level executive roles in schools of medicine, dentistry, public health and pharmacy. This prestigious program is dedicated to developing the professional and personal skills required to lead and manage in today's complex health care environment, with special attention to the unique challenges facing those in leadership positions. Petruska’s selection reflects both her distinguished record of leadership and the ULSOM’s continued commitment to investing in leaders who will shape the future of medicine and medical education. 

“Selection for ELAM recognizes that I’ve already contributed through leadership efforts at UofL and that I have the potential to contribute more,” said Petruska. “As our youngest child prepares to head off to college in August, this feels like an invigorating place for me to be professionally.” 

As associate dean of admissions, she leads one of the school’s most critical responsibilities: helping identify and support the next generation of physicians who will care for communities across Kentucky and beyond. Her work helps ensure the admissions process reflects the school’s values of excellence, compassion, service and opportunity.  

“Medicine is both an art and a science,” said Petruska. “In the School of Medicine, we need to select students who excel in different ways, but who are ready for both the art and the science of learning and practicing medicine.” 

She also emphasized the importance of preparing physicians who can meet the needs of communities across the commonwealth while maintaining humanity that is central to patient care. 

“Once the students are here, we need to bring them through the crucible of medical education with their humanity intact,” she said. “We need to keep the patient at the center of everything we do.” 

In addition to her administrative leadership role, Petruska has built a respected career as a clinical faculty member advancing patient care while mentoring students and trainees. Throughout her career, she has served in several leadership positions, including residency program director, clerkship director and medical director for Labor and Delivery – all experiences she credits with helping prepare her for opportunities such as ELAM. 

Participation in ELAM includes a yearlong curriculum focused on strategic leadership, organizational effectiveness and institutional transformation. Fellows also join a national network of leaders working to strengthen academic health centers and expand their impact. 

“Each time I have progressed in leadership, I have appreciated more deeply how complex academic medicine and academic medicine centers like UofL are,” said Petruska. “I view ELAM as an exceptional opportunity to further develop my leadership capabilities, gain a broader understanding of institutional strategy and governance and learn from accomplished mentors and peers who are leaders in academic medicine from across the country.” 

During Academic Medicine Week, Petruska’s achievements also highlight the many ways academic medicine creates change through educating future physicians, advancing care for patients, driving discoveries and developing leaders to meet the challenges of tomorrow. Her selection is both a point of pride and a reflection of purpose: recognizing leaders whose expertise, vision and service create lasting impact. 

“We have no shortages of challenges in academic medicine, but it’s work worth doing,” said Petruska.