Program Overview

Chief Medical Officer Program

The Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Program from Emory Executive Education equips experienced physicians and senior healthcare leaders to bridge clinical expertise with business strategy and lead transformation across health systems. In today’s technology-enabled, value-driven healthcare environment, CMOs are expected to shape vision, integrate innovation in care models, and align healthcare management, clinical operations, and organizational performance with patient outcomes, regulatory priorities, and strategic growth.

Program Overview

Led by distinguished Emory faculty, this nine- to twelve-month program combines strategic leadership, business strategy, financial acumen, and organizational influence to help participants navigate complexity with confidence. Participants will gain the frameworks, tools, and perspectives to make high-stakes decisions, unite diverse teams around a shared mission, and drive transformative change across healthcare systems and business models.

Continuing Education Credits

The Emory University School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. The Emory University School of Medicine designates this live activity for a maximum of 185 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Disclosure

The content of this activity is not related to products or services of an ACCME-defined ineligible company, also known as a commercial interest; therefore, no one in control of content has a relevant financial relationship to disclose. Ineligible companies are those whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients. No grant support was received for this course.

Program Details

• Duration: 9 to 12 months
• Format: Online and In Person
• Program Fee: US$18,500 (US$18,000 with early application discount)
• Application Fee: US$200
• Tuition Fee Benefit: US$500 (available to participants who apply on or before December 5, 2025 at 04:59 AM)

Eligibility

• A minimum of 10 years of work experience
• A medical degree from an accredited medical school
• Fluency in written and spoken English
• International exposure (preferred)

Who is the Chief Medical Officer Program for?

The Chief Medical Officer Program is designed for accomplished physicians and senior healthcare leaders seeking to strengthen their healthcare leadership, refine their business acumen, and develop strategic insight to lead at the intersection of clinical operations and organizational performance. It is ideal for:

• Physician leaders in management roles preparing for a CMO position and seeking a deeper understanding of business strategy, healthcare leadership, and medical leadership within healthcare organizations
• CMOs who have served in the position for five years or less wishing to deepen their knowledge of management and organizational performance to be successful leaders in the healthcare industry

Learning Outcomes

The program will help participants:

• Gain in-depth knowledge and skills that are fundamental to advancing their career as a chief medical officer
• Understand the competing priorities in healthcare at the business unit, organization, industry, and community levels
• Lead and inspire colleagues across a shared vision that reflects the diversity and unique needs of patient care delivery, team members, and the strategic business needs of their healthcare organization
• Hone their communication, negotiation, and influence skills to empower decision making and better handle people, teams, and organizational conflicts
• Develop their financial acumen to understand the levers under their control that influence the strategic and financial well-being of their healthcare system
• Expand their ability to drive strategic change, develop innovative approaches to care, and implement a culture of excellence and well-being for staff, patients, and healthcare professionals
• Develop and foster relationships and expand their professional network

Program Highlights

• Continuing Education Credits: The Emory University School of Medicine designates this blended learning activity for a maximum of 185 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™.
• Core Curriculum: Kick-start the journey with 18 weeks of core sessions exploring healthcare leadership and business administration, turning strategy into action, and honing effective communication skills.
• Flexible Learning Journey: Customize the program experience with a choice of two topical electives that allow participants to focus their learning on relevant skill sets specific to their career goals or the needs of their healthcare organization.
• Self-Paced Learning: Access recorded sessions that provide participants with the flexibility to experience the in-depth curriculum at their own pace while maintaining their busy day-to-day work commitments.
• Success Coach: Craft the learning journey in line with career goals with a success coach assigned to the cohort.
• Expert Faculty: Learn from leading experts in the fields of business, leadership, healthcare management, and patient care who are renowned thought leaders and bring deep experience as practitioners.
• Capstone Project: Apply program insights to a capstone project that refines the skills gained and provides an opportunity to develop a detailed business plan and drive immediate on-the-job impact in the organization.
• Annual CMO Forum: Connect with peers, faculty, and industry leaders during an optional one-and-a-half-day Annual CMO Forum, an academic experience focused on healthcare innovation and strategic priorities, at the Goizueta Business School, Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia.

Pathway to a Graduate Degree Program

The Chief Medical Officer Program serves as a pathway toward an academic degree from Emory Goizueta Business School. Participants who successfully complete the program and fulfill further qualification criteria, including an evaluation of the capstone project and submission of a degree application within 12 months of completing the Chief Medical Officer Program, earn six academic credits. These credits are applicable upon successful enrollment in one of the following degree programs: Executive MBA, Evening MBA, and Masters in Business for Veterans.

Certificate

Upon successful completion of the program, participants will be awarded a badge and a verified digital certificate by Emory Executive Education. The certificate is a recognition of the achievement and the investment made in education and development. The program is also eligible for 185 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™.