More than 60 Endeavor Health physicians and advanced practice providers came together to celebrate the new year and to further enhance physician leadership skills at the Golbus Leadership Forum held on Jan. 23, 2025.
Named for Joseph Golbus, MD, who retired as president of the NorthShore Medical Group and Research Institute in January 2023, the forum was made possible by funding from the Joseph Golbus, MD, Physician Leadership Fund.
Dr. Golbus and his wife, Valerie, made a lead gift to establish the fund, as they believe in supporting physicians as they grow their leadership skills. The fund continues Dr. Golbus’ example of inspiring and supporting the next generation of physician leaders through programming made possible by additional generous support from donors and staff to the fund following Dr. Golbus’ retirement.
Over the past year, the fund has supported two leadership forums and three leadership-themed book club discussions, with the most recent book club facilitated by Endeavor Health Chief Clinical Officer Lakshmi Halasyamani, MD. It has also supported fellowships for three Endeavor Health physicians last year with two new physician fellows announced for 2025.
Spotlight on physician fellows
The Golbus Leadership Forum included presentations from the inaugural Golbus Leadership Fellows: Alya Ahsan, DO; Barrett Robinson, MD, MPH; and Joseen Bryant, MD, MBA. The three fellows shared how funding from the fund helped them develop tangible leadership skills they plan to implement in their practice and share with their peers.
The 2025 Golbus Leadership Fellows were also announced: Franco Campanella, DO, Endeavor Health NorthShore Vice Chair of Operations for Neurology; and Kendall Ulbrich, MD, Endeavor Health neonatologist. Selected by a committee of physician peers, Drs. Campanella and Ulbrich each will receive up to $10,000 to pursue a leadership development program or project in 2025.
Harry M. Jansen Kraemer Jr., an executive partner at Madison Dearborn Partners, was the guest speaker at the forum, sharing a presentation on “Values-Based Leadership and Finding Purpose in a Values-Based Life.” Mr. Kraemer, currently an Endeavor Health board member and former chairman and CEO of Baxter International, Inc., was introduced by Endeavor Health President and CEO J.P. Gallagher.
Future physician leadership opportunities
The January forum kicked off a new year of physician leadership opportunities made possible by the Joseph Golbus, MD, Physician Leadership Fund. Later in the calendar year, there will be an additional leadership-themed book club discussion facilitated by Adam Schriedel, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Endeavor Health Elmhurst Hospital. A third book club will be held later in the fall and will be facilitated by Susan Nelson, MD, President of Primary Care, Endeavor Health Medical Group; and Neil Freedman, MD, President of Specialty Care, Endeavor Health Medical Group.
“We’re committed to making Endeavor Health the best place to practice by creating an environment for physician leaders to grow professionally and personally,” said Nancy Schindler, MD, MHPE, System Vice President, Endeavor Health Physician Engagement and Development and the E. Stephen Kurtides, MD, Chair of Medical Education.
“Through the Golbus Physician Leadership Fund,” she continued, “we provide opportunities for physicians across the continuum of leadership experience to enhance their skills and reach their full potential, supporting Dr. Golbus’ belief that ‘Every physician is a leader.’”
These efforts would not be possible without philanthropic support. We are powered by the generosity of donors who directly impact our ability to deliver on our commitment to community-connected care.
Masthead photo image: Joseph Golbus, MD
Photo Credit: Jon Hillenbrand
