Teresa Y. Smith-Bellille Selected for ELAM Fellowship

By Office of the President | Apr 28, 2026

We are proud to congratulate Teresa Y. Smith-Bellille, M.D., MSEd, FACEP, Associate Dean of Graduate Medical Education and Interim Chair of Emergency Medicine, on her selection to the 2026–2027 Hedwig van Ameringen Executive Leadership in Academic Medicine (ELAM) Program at Drexel University College of Medicine.

ELAM is one of the nation’s premier leadership fellowships for women in academic health care. The program prepares senior faculty to assume executive roles by strengthening their skills in strategic planning, financial management, organizational leadership, and institutional change. Graduates of ELAM often move into positions such as dean, department chair, and health system leader, shaping the direction of academic medicine nationwide.

Dr. Smith-Bellille’s selection places her among a national cohort of leaders recognized for their impact and readiness to lead at the highest levels.

ELAM also addresses a persistent gap in academic medicine, where women remain underrepresented in senior leadership roles. By building a pipeline of leaders prepared to serve at the highest levels, the program strengthens representation and broadens perspectives in institutional decision-making. This work aligns with Downstate’s commitment to developing leaders who reflect the communities they serve and to advancing mentorship, equity, and opportunity across academic healthcare.

A board-certified emergency physician and medical educator, Dr. Smith-Bellille jointly oversees a large graduate medical education portfolio supporting nearly 1,000 Downstate residents and fellows. Her leadership spans clinical care, physician training, and institutional strategy, with a focus on creating inclusive clinical learning environments and advancing equitable care.

This recognition builds on a record of national distinction. Dr. Smith-Bellille led the institution in receiving the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education’s Barbara Ross-Lee, DO Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Award, and the National Minority Quality Forum recognized her as a “40 Under 40” leader. Schneps Media also named Dr. Smith-Bellille a Healthcare Hero in 2025 for contributions to care delivery and community impact in New York.

Dr. Smith-Bellille will engage in a year-long leadership curriculum designed to prepare participants to lead complex academic health institutions and drive meaningful organizational impact. Her selection reflects sustained leadership in academic medicine and a continued role in shaping physician training and patient care at Downstate.

Congratulations, Dr. Smith; we look forward to an excellent outcome for you!