Amit Acharya, BDS, MS, PhD, FAMIA, vice chief science officer of Advocate Health, vice dean for regional research strategy and integration at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, and president of Advocate Aurora Research Institute, has been named one of 57 scholars who will form the Presidential Leadership Scholars’ (PLS) 10th annual class. For the past decade, PLS has brought together more than 500 diverse, established leaders to collaborate and make a difference in the world as they learn about leadership through the lens of the presidential experiences of George W. Bush, William J. Clinton, George H.W. Bush and Lyndon B. Johnson.
The class was selected after a rigorous application and review process. Scholars were chosen based on their leadership growth potential and the strength of their personal leadership projects aimed at addressing a critical challenge or need in a community, profession or organization.
With over 20 years of health care experience as a clinician, informatics researcher, and now as a health care executive, Dr. Acharya has significantly advanced patient care by translating research into practice. He has been a leading researcher and is well-regarded internationally on his expertise in dental informatics and brings valuable insight to build learning health systems by integrating research and innovation within health care delivery settings.
At Advocate Health and Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Dr. Acharya collaborates with senior leaders to drive strategic initiatives that enhance their research mission and advance their status as a leading Academic Learning Health System.
“I am grateful for this unique opportunity to learn from diverse leaders nationwide as part of the Presidential Leadership Scholars Class of 2025 and to engage in the challenges of the PLS program. This journey excites me as I strive to amplify my social impact on underserved communities," said Dr. Acharya. “I am thankful to be part of an incredible health care system like Advocate Health and to receive unwavering support and guidance from mentors like Dr. Ebony Boulware, Dr. Jeff Bahr and Mr. Greg Nycz.”
During the six-month program, Dr. Acharya will address oral health care inequities affecting people of color, underserved communities and vulnerable populations. He aims to develop a framework for diverting non-traumatic dental condition (NTDC) cases from hospital emergency departments to appropriate care settings, such as local dental providers and community clinics. By forming a diverse advisory committee, he seeks to ensure the sustainability of this initiative beyond the PLS program.
“Dr. Acharya’s selection as a Presidential Leadership Scholar is a testament to his visionary leadership and dedication to advancing health equity through research and innovation,” said Ebony Boulware, MD, MPH, dean of Wake Forest University School of Medicine and chief science officer of Advocate Health. “His work to address oral healthcare disparities and improve access for underserved communities exemplifies the mission of an Academic Learning Health System. We are proud to support his journey and look forward to the meaningful impact he will continue to make.”
Over the course of the program, scholars will travel to each participating presidential center to learn from former presidents, key former administration officials, business and civic leaders, and leading academics. They will study and put into practice varying approaches to leadership and exchange ideas to help strengthen their impact.
“Dr. Acharya embodies the collaborative spirit and dedication to innovative thought that makes his teams successful. He’ll be a fantastic addition to the Presidential Leadership Scholars,” said Jeff Bahr, MD, chief physician executive for Advocate Health in Illinois and Wisconsin.
Scholars have consistently reported remarkable growth in skills, responsibilities and opportunities for impact since the program began in 2015. For example, 96% of scholars said their confidence in how they lead social change has improved as a result of PLS, and 97% of scholars reported they are inspired to accomplish more since beginning the program.
The 2025 program will begin on Jan. 29.
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About Presidential Leadership Scholars
The Presidential Leadership Scholars program is a partnership among the presidential centers of George W. Bush, William J. Clinton, George H.W. Bush and Lyndon B. Johnson. To learn more, visit www.presidentialleadershipscholars.org. For updates about the Presidential Leadership Scholars, use #PLScholars and follow @PLSprogram on LinkedIn, X and Instagram.